A lawyer, Lade Ebiwanno Esq., has criticized the forced resignation of Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, arguing that there is no formal power-sharing agreement that justifies stripping Akinruntan of his position and transferring it to another honorable member from his Senatorial District.
In a eulogy and pointed critique of the governor, titled Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan: A Man Who Demonstrates Courage Without Fleeting Moments of Cowardice, he stated:
“Governor Ayedatiwa may influence the removal of Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan as Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, but he lacks the authority to terminate or invalidate Akinruntan’s election. Prince Akinruntan remains a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and is the first person in the history of Ondo State to achieve such a prestigious position for three consecutive terms since the state’s creation.”
“While he may frame his resignation as part of a power-sharing arrangement, it is evident that the resignation was orchestrated by the Governor, stemming from a politics of bitterness and acrimony. I commend Prince Akinruntan for his decision to resign; it reflects his courageous leadership and spirit of sportsmanship. This singular act cements his legacy as one of the few individuals who have made significant contributions to our history.”
“If Prince Akinruntan relinquishes his Deputy Speakership to someone else from the Ondo Southern Senatorial District, where is the power-sharing or zoning arrangement? We know the truth behind these events, and I must salute Prince Akinruntan for boldly stepping down to maintain peace and prevent political turmoil that could hinder governance and democratic progress.”
“We all witnessed the impeachment saga, during which Ayedatiwa scrambled to save his career from ruin. It took the intervention of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other prominent figures in Ondo State to rescue him from this predicament, yet he lacked the courage to resign, unlike Prince Akinruntan, who acted decisively and without compromising his integrity,” he concluded.
