ONDO AT 50: AIYEDATIWA PAYS TRIBUTE TO FOUNDERS, CHARTS BOLD VISION FOR NEXT 50 YEARS

AIYEDATIWA PAYS TRIBUTE TO FOUNDERS, CHARTS BOLD VISION FOR NEXT 50 YEARS

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, delivered a statewide broadcast to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Ondo State, describing the milestone as a defining moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to sustainable development.

Addressing residents across the state, the Governor said the 50th anniversary marked not just the passage of time but a convergence of history, identity, and destiny. He expressed gratitude to God and praised the resilience and collective sacrifices of the people of Ondo State over the past five decades.

Ondo State, formerly known as Ondo Province, was historically a vast and resource-rich territory under colonial administration, with its headquarters in Akure. The Governor recalled that unresolved structural imbalances in post-independence Nigeria, which later contributed to the 1967 civil war, necessitated reforms in the country’s federal structure.

According to him, the decisive intervention came in 1976 under the administration of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, acting on the recommendations of the Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel, which led to the dissolution of the old Western State into Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo States on February 3, 1976.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the creation of Ondo State restored identity, dignity, and grassroots governance, bringing administration closer to the people and laying the foundation for inclusive growth and participatory development.

Describing the Golden Jubilee as a “civilisational landmark,” the Governor noted that it provides an opportunity for honest appraisal of the past and a recommitment to building a prosperous future for coming generations.

He commended the people of the state—farmers, artisans, professionals, public servants, youths, elders, and residents in the diaspora—for their enduring contributions, describing Ondo State as a moral community sustained by resilience, learning, industry, and collective progress.

The Governor paid special tribute to the patriots and leaders who championed the creation of the state, particularly members of the Ondo Provincial Movement, led by the late Chief Gilbert Benjamin Akinyemi Akinyede, with Mr. Deji Adegoroye as secretary. He recalled their first meeting at Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure, in November 1973, and acknowledged the role of traditional rulers, statesmen, scholars, and activists in achieving statehood.

He also highlighted the historical economic importance of Ondo Province to the old Western Region, citing its major contributions to cocoa, palm produce, timber, and other agricultural exports that funded landmark regional projects such as the Cocoa House in Ibadan.

Reflecting on the early years of the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that ministries initially operated from rented and improvised offices, with civil servants commuting daily from neighbouring towns. He praised the pioneer military administrator, Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme, and early public service leaders for laying the foundations of a functional civil service, including the development of the Alagbaka Secretariat Complex.

The Governor acknowledged the sacrifices of market women, artisans, farmers, transport workers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders who supported the state through its formative years.

Over the past 50 years, Ondo State has experienced both military and democratic administrations, economic challenges, and policy reforms. Governor Aiyedatiwa said democratic governance has strengthened civic participation and long-term planning, leading to progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation, and public service reform.

He also noted that Ondo State gave rise to Ekiti State in 1996 and has continued to produce citizens who excel nationally and internationally in medicine, law, academia, science, technology, arts, sports, and public service.

Governor Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to former military administrators and civilian governors who served the state, including the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and his immediate predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN.

Looking ahead, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating past achievements while pursuing an inclusive development agenda focused on security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, and economic innovation.

He called on residents, irrespective of political affiliation, to support the government in building a productive, caring, and globally competitive state that upholds its values.

“Let us work together to build cities and rural communities that are inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant,” the Governor said, describing Ondo State as “a place of ease” and opportunity.