- as Aiyedatiwa charts Ondo 2026 – 2076 Vision
By Banji Ayoola
Ondo State will honour the first civilian Governor of the old Ondo State, the legendary Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation.
Notably Ajasin was the leader of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, the umbrella pro-democracy movement, and its arrowhead, Afenifere, which spearheaded and led the protracted and bloody pro-democracy struggle that forced the military to organise democratic elections, vacate power, and hand over to a democratically elected civilian government on October I, 1999, at the start of Nigeria’s Fourtn Republic, the present dispensation.
The old Ondo State, now bifurcated into Ondo and Ekiti States, was created from the old Western State on February 3, 1976 by the military regime led by the assassinated Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Gen Murrala Ramat Mohammed, with Wing Commander David Ita Ikpeme, as the pioneer Military Administrator.
Ikpeme was succeeded by a string of his military colleagues until the start of Nigeria’s Second Republic on October 1st, 1979, when Ajasin took over as the first democratically elected civilian Governor of the state, on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, led by the departed sage, first Premier of the former Western Region, and former Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Deputy to Gen Yakubu Gowon as Head of State, the highly reverred, cerebral, and specially-gifted Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo.
That Republic was terminated in the twilight of 1983 by the military coup announced by the deceased Gen Sani Abacha, which brought Gen Ibrahim Babangida to power.
Between 1983 and 1999 when the Fourth Republic kicked off with President Olusegun Obasanjo as Nigeria’s democratically elected leader, the old Ondo State was governed by many military and civilian administrators.
Other eminent elderstatesmen on the honours list, who played active role in the struggle for the creation of the state, or have made tremendous contributions to its development, include the state’s first civilian Finance Commissioner and Afenifere National Leader, the reverred Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
The roll call of honours include former civilian governors of the state including the departed Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, and Dr Olusegun Agagu. It includes Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and the departed Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Others are prominent Afenifere chieftains Chief Ayo Fasanmi, and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, the deceased Barrister Deji Adegoroye, former military governors including Wing Commander David Ikpeme, Navy Commander Olabode Ibiyinka George Bamidele Otiko, Col Ahmed Usman, Navy Capt Anthony Onyearugbulem, and Col Moses Fasanya.
The roll call includes eminent top public servants led by Chief Theophilus Iwajomo and Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo, who laid the foundation for institutionalised governance in the State.
In fact, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, lauded the contributions of the past governors, noting that their efforts across various sectors of the economy have positioned the state where it is today.
Speaking at the 50th World Press Conference held at the Government House, Akure, on Thursday, the Governor said the Golden Jubilee is “not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance,” offering an opportunity to reflect on the State’s past, evaluate its present, and plan strategically for the future.
He emphasised that half a century was long enough to assess the vision that inspired Ondo State’s creation and the contributions of successive administrations in pursuing that goal.
Recalling the State’s origins, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the protracted political agitation, intellectual advocacy and moral persuasion that culminated in its creation.
He noted that Ondo State emerged from “the legitimate yearning of a people who believed that governance must be closer to the governed and that identity, equity and inclusive development are best achieved when a people are granted administrative self-expression.”
The Governor paid glowing tribute to Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian Governor, describing him as “a rare gem, a statesman of extraordinary integrity whose principled leadership set enduring standards for governance, public morality and the benchmark within which governments were assessed in Ondo State.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of other nationalists and elders, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, late Barrister Deji Adegoroye, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, noting that their legacy remains ingrained in the State’s political consciousness.
Governor Aiyedatiwa recognised successive administrators, both military and civilian, for shaping Ondo State’s growth, from Wing Commander David Ikpeme, the pioneer Military Administrator, through Colonel Moses Fasanya, to civilian leaders including Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
He also paid tribute to the first generation of public servants, led by Chief Theophilus Iwajomo and Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo, who laid the foundation for institutionalised governance in the State.
Reflecting on the State’s achievements, the Governor cited significant progress in education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, industrialisation, road infrastructure, public sector reforms and human capital development.
He noted that these gains were realised despite economic challenges, demographic pressures, environmental constraints and evolving security threats, driven by the enduring “Ondo spirit” of industry, intellect, and perseverance.
He outlined the Golden Jubilee programme, which includes statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, a lecture series themed “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” grand cultural and historical exhibitions and a gala and award night to celebrate excellence and service, as communicated by the Anniversary Planning Committee.
On governance, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-centred development, anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency, and social inclusion.
He said the government is investing in critical infrastructure, urban renewal, healthcare revitalisation, education reform, agricultural value chains and economic diversification under the “OUR EASE” policy, in collaboration with the private sector and development partners.
He stressed that security remains a core pillar of development. Through strategic partnerships with security agencies and community intelligence networks, the administration continues to safeguard lives, farmlands and investments, ensuring Ondo State remains stable and conducive for economic and social activities.
Looking ahead, the Governor outlined a vision for the next fifty years, centred on knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation and strong democratic institutions.
He said the State would “not merely respond to change, but shape it: a State where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable.”
Calling on citizens at home and in the diaspora to embrace the Golden Jubilee as a shared heritage and responsibility, he said: “Together, we shall continue to build a State that guarantees fulfilment for everyone.”
Clarifying his legacy, the Governor said he does not intend to establish institutions unnecessarily, but noted that the judiciary complex under construction will remain a lasting project.
He added that the proposed sea port, alongside petrochemical fertiliser plants and bitumen exploration, will boost agriculture and create jobs.
On industrial projects, Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that a refinery, fertiliser, and petrochemical plant have been approved, with groundbreaking scheduled for the first quarter of the year.
On power supply, he said electricity distribution companies are working closely with the State government. “We are regulating electricity, although we are not yet generating our own power. O’datiwa metres are being distributed to residents. Electricity is not cheap for now, but over time, our administration will improve it and make it affordable for all,” he assured.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the State Government, who is the Chairman of Ondo @50 planning committee, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, reminisced about the creation of Ondo State, describing himself as privileged to have witnessed the historic event firsthand. He urged members of the Press to give adequate coverage to the activities of the anniversary.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Chief Justice of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; the State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; the Director-General of the Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Engr. Rasaq Obe; the Director-General of OSRC, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, political appointees; and other dignitaries.
