By Our Reporter
Ondo State on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marked a historic milestone as it celebrated the golden jubilee of its creation, with the Executive Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, delivering a statewide broadcast that blended history, gratitude and a forward-looking vision for the Sunshine State.
In a reflective and solemn address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the 50th anniversary as a moment where “history pauses” to allow the people to stand at the intersection of memory and destiny. He expressed deep gratitude to God and to the people of Ondo State for five decades of resilience, sacrifice and collective aspiration, noting that the jubilee was not merely about the passage of time, but about identity, purpose and recommitment to the future.
Tracing the historical roots of the State, the governor recalled that Ondo was once part of the old Ondo Province, a vast and resource-rich territory that stretched from the northern hinterlands to the Atlantic coast, with Akure as its administrative headquarters during the colonial era. He contextualised the eventual creation of Ondo State within Nigeria’s post-independence challenges, including structural imbalances and the fears of minorities that followed the civil war.
According to him, the decisive restructuring carried out under the leadership of late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, based on the Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel’s recommendations, culminated in the dissolution of the old Western State on February 3, 1976, and the birth of Ogun, Ondo and Oyo States. That singular act, he noted, restored dignity, affirmed identity and brought governance closer to the people.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the golden jubilee transcends celebration, describing it as a “civilisational landmark” that demands honest reflection on the past and courage in shaping the future. He paid glowing tribute to the people of Ondo State—farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, professionals, public servants, youths and elders at home and in the diaspora—describing the State as a living moral community sustained by resilience, learning and collective endeavour.
Special homage was paid to the pioneers and patriots who championed the creation of Ondo State, particularly the Ondo Provincial Movement led by the late Chief Gilbert Benjamin Akinyemi Akinyede, with Mr. Deji Adegoroye as Secretary. The governor recalled their maiden meeting in Akure in November 1973 and their relentless advocacy that eventually yielded statehood. He also honoured traditional rulers, statesmen, scholars and activists, past and present, including Pa Reuben Fasoranti, whose sacrifices shaped the State’s destiny.
The governor highlighted Ondo’s historical role as an economic powerhouse of the defunct Western Region, noting its contributions in cocoa, palm produce and timber, which funded landmark projects such as the Cocoa House in Ibadan and supported national development.
Reflecting on the early years of statehood, Aiyedatiwa recalled the humble beginnings of the public service, when ministries operated from rented buildings and workers commuted from neighbouring towns. He commended the pioneer military administrator, Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme, and early Heads of Service, Chief Theophilus Iwajomo and Chief Elkanah Emuleomo, alongside the first generation of public servants who laid the foundations of governance. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of ordinary citizens, traditional rulers and religious leaders during the formative years.
Over the past five decades, the governor noted, Ondo State has navigated military and civilian administrations, economic cycles and policy reforms, yet recorded steady progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development and industrialisation. He added that the creation of Ekiti State in 1996 marked another defining chapter, while Ondo has continued to produce outstanding achievers across diverse fields nationally and globally.
Governor Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to all former governors and administrators of the State, both military and civilian, acknowledging their varied contributions and legacies, including his immediate predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Looking ahead, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating past gains while pursuing inclusive development through improved security, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, and a business-friendly environment.
As Ondo State steps into its next fifty years, Aiyedatiwa called for unity, discipline, innovation and shared responsibility, urging citizens to support government efforts to build a productive, inclusive and globally competitive State. He concluded by inviting all residents, irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands in sustaining Ondo as “a State that works, a State that cares, truly a place of our ease.”
