Ondo State
“Sunshine State”
Key Information
Capital City
Akure
Governor
Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Deputy Governor
Olayide Adelami
Date Created
3 February 1976
Geopolitical Zone
South West
Area
15,500 km²
Estimated Population
Estimated 5.3 million (2022 projection; 3,460,877 at 2006 census)
Senatorial Districts
3
About Ondo State
Ondo State is a coastal state in South Western Nigeria known for its significant agricultural output and mineral wealth. It was created from the former Western State and remains a leading producer of cocoa and a notable oil-producing state in the country.
Historical Evolution and Creation
Ondo State was established on February 3, 1976, during the military administration of General Murtala Mohammed, having been carved out of the defunct Western State. It originally encompassed the territory of present-day Ekiti State until the latter was granted statehood in 1996. The state's administrative headquarters has remained in Akure since its inception. Its history is deeply intertwined with the traditional kingdoms of the Yoruba people, particularly the Ondo, Akure, Owo, and Ikale sub-groups.
Geography and Coastal Topography
Situated in the South West geopolitical zone, Ondo State is bordered by Ekiti and Kogi states to the north, Edo and Delta states to the east, and Ogun and Osun states to the west. It is one of the few states in the region with a direct coastline along the Bight of Benin in the Atlantic Ocean. The northern terrain is characterized by the upland regions of the Akoko and Owo axis, while the central and southwestern regions feature rugged hills and granite outcrops, most notably the Idanre Hills. The southern reaches consist of low-lying wetlands and riverine areas essential for the state's fishing industry.
Economy and Natural Resources
The state's economy is predominantly agrarian, with Ondo being the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria. It is also an oil-producing state and a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) due to its offshore and onshore petroleum reserves. Beyond agriculture and oil, the state lies within Nigeria’s major bitumen belt and contains significant bitumen deposits. Other significant economic resources include extensive timber reserves, rubber, oil palm, and various industrial minerals like kaolin and granite.
Culture, Education, and Tourism
Ondo State is a center of educational excellence, hosting institutions such as the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) and Adekunle Ajasin University. The state's cultural identity is preserved through numerous traditional festivals and the historic architecture of royal palaces, such as that of the Olowo of Owo. Tourism is anchored by the Idanre Hills, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list for its unique cultural and natural landscape. The diverse population includes a Yoruba majority and notable minorities such as the Ijaw and Apoi peoples alongside Ilaje communities in the riverine areas.
Local Government Areas (18)
Other Nigerian States
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