Ondo State is a Nigerian State, occupied predominantly by the Yorubas, and Ijaws of South West origin. It was created on the 3rd of February, 1976 by the Military Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed.
Other States created under Murtala Mohammed were: Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun and Ondo State.
In this article, VisitNaija will take our readers through the administration of Ondo State from the day it was created till date, notable events, key figures and many more interesting facts.
Ondo State Economic Ranking
Ondo State boasts of a diverse and robust economy driven mainly by agriculture, oil and gas, blue economy and solid minerals.
In the Agriculture sector, Ondo serves as the backbone of Ondo State’s economy, and employs a significant portion of the population. The state is Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer, contributing substantially to both local and national outputs. Other notable agricultural products includes; Rubber, timber (teak and hardwoods), palm oil, and kernels.
Food Crops: Rice, yams, maize, cassava, vegetables, and various fruits.
Oil and Gas: Ondo State contributes approximately 12% to Nigeria’s total oil and gas production, underscoring its strategic importance in the nation’s energy sector.
Blue Economy: Bothering the Atlantic sea to the South, Ondo State has the longest unbroken seashore line, measuring about 75 kilometers. It is open to investors in tourism and hospitality, Seaports, seafoods and more.
Solid Minerals: The state is endowed with a variety of mineral resources, including:
Bitumen: Home to one of the world’s largest bitumen deposits.
Other Minerals: Quartz sand, clay, granite, limestone, talc, kaolin, coal, columbite, and rock tin.
Economic Rankings
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): As of 2021, Ondo State’s GDP was estimated at $12.63 billion, positioning it as the 7th largest economy among Nigeria’s 36 states.
- GDP Per Capita: The state’s GDP per capita stood at $2,326 in 2021, reflecting the average economic output per resident.
- Economic Growth Rate: In 2018, Ondo State experienced a notable GDP growth rate of 17%, indicating a robust expansion of its economic activities.
- Labor Participation Rate: The labor force participation rate was recorded at 84.7% in 2018, suggesting a high level of active engagement among the working-age population.
These metrics highlight Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, driven by its rich natural resources and a strong agricultural base.
Ondo State Politics and Administration
Ondo State consists of 18 Local Government Areas, and 3 Senatorial districts. It has gone through several administrators and mode of administrations from the day of creation till this present day.
Local Governments in Ondo State includes;
Ondo North Senatorial District
Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East, Akoko South West, Ose and Owo.
Ondo South Senatorial District
Akure North, Akure South, Idanre, Ifedore, Ondo East, and Ondo West
Ese Odo, Ilaje, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo, Irele, Odigbo, and Okitipupa
Ondo Central Senatorial District
Akure North, Akure South, Idanre, Ifedore, Ondo East, and Ondo West
Administrators of Ondo State from inception till date are;
Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme (March 17, 1976 – July 24, 1978)
Appointed as the first military governor following the creation of Ondo State in 1976. His administration focused on establishing foundational governmental structures for the new state.
Brigadier Sunday Tuoyo (July 24, 1978 – October 1, 1979)
Oversaw the transition from military to civilian rule, facilitating the processes leading to the Second Republic.
Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin (October 1, 1979 – December 31, 1983)
As the first civilian governor, Ajasin prioritized education, implementing free primary education and establishing secondary schools. His tenure was cut short by a military coup in 1983.
Commodore Michael Bamidele Otiko (January 2, 1984 – September 2, 1985)
Led the state during a period of military rule, focusing on maintaining order and continuity in governance.
Navy Captain Michael Okhai Akhigbe (September 2, 1985 – August 26, 1986)
Continued military governance with an emphasis on infrastructural development and public service reforms.
Colonel Ekundayo B. Opaleye (August 26, 1986 – December 17, 1987)
Focused on agricultural development and rural infrastructure to boost the state’s economy.
Brigadier General Raji Alagbe Rasaki (December 17, 1987 – July 1988)
Initiated urban development projects, including road construction and improvements in Akure, the state capital.
Commodore Bode George (July 1988 – September 3, 1990)
Emphasized public sector reforms and infrastructural projects aimed at enhancing urban living conditions.
Navy Captain Sunday Abiodun Olukoya (September 3, 1990 – January 3, 1992)
Worked on educational reforms and improved healthcare services, laying the groundwork for future developments.
Bamidele Olumilua (January 3, 1992 – November 17, 1993)
Elected during the Third Republic, Olumilua’s administration focused on economic development and transparency in governance. His tenure ended with another military takeover.
Colonel Mike Torey (December 9, 1993 – September 1994)
Managed the state during a turbulent political period, ensuring stability and continuity of government services.
Colonel Ahmed Usman (September 1994 – August 22, 1996)
Focused on security and public order, addressing various communal conflicts within the state.
Navy Captain Anthony Onyearugbulem (August 22, 1996 – August 7, 1998)
Implemented policies aimed at economic revitalization and infrastructural development.
Colonel Moses Fasanya (August 7, 1998 – May 29, 1999)
Oversaw the transition to civilian rule, preparing the state for the return to democratic governance.
Chief Adebayo Adefarati (May 29, 1999 – May 29, 2003)
As the first governor of the Fourth Republic, Adefarati focused on infrastructural development, including road construction and educational improvements.
Olusegun Agagu (May 29, 2003 – February 23, 2009)
Prioritized economic development, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and invested in educational infrastructure.
Olusegun Mimiko (February 24, 2009 – February 24, 2017)
Introduced significant urban renewal projects, established the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City, and implemented free shuttle bus services for students.
Rotimi Akeredolu (February 24, 2017 – December 27, 2023)
Focused on infrastructural development, enacting key legislations for public finance management, and constructing over 239 kilometers of roads.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa (December 27, 2023 – Present)
Assumed office following the death of Akeredolu. Prior to becoming governor, Aiyedatiwa served as deputy governor and was a former commissioner of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Ondo State is a destination for business, residence and anything you can think of, as it possess promising potentials to grow and accommodate key investments.
