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Ondo

“Land of Virtue”

Capital Akure
Zone South West
LGAs 18
Population 4,800,000
2026 Budget ₦524.4B

About Ondo

Ondo State, located in South-West Nigeria, is known as the "Sunshine State" due to its abundant natural resources and favorable climate. It is rich in agricultural production and mineral resources, making it one of the most resource-endowed states in Nigeria.
Historical Background
The territory now known as Ondo State was home to a rich tapestry of Yoruba kingdoms, sub-groups and coastal peoples long before European contact. The dominant political entities were the Ondo Kingdom, the Owo Kingdom, the Ikale chieftaincies, the Ilaje fishing communities of the… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Ondo

Official nameOndo
Capital city Akure
Slogan / MottoLand of Virtue
Geo-political zone South West
Local govt areas 18 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,800,000
Population density 310 / km²
Total area 15,500 km²
First governor Commander Ebitu Ukiwe
2026 budget ₦524.4B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Ondo

The capital city of Ondo State is Akure. It is the seat of the Ondo State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Ondo State has 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Ondo State has a population of 4,800,000. The state capital Akure is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 310 persons per km².
Ondo State is in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Ondo State was created in 1976. The first governor was Commander Ebitu Ukiwe. Learn more on the Ondo State History page.
The Ondo State budget for 2026 is ₦524.4B. See the full breakdown on the Ondo State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Ondo State covers a total land area of 15,500 km². With a population density of 310 people per km².

Government Structure

Ondo State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state has a strong administrative structure focused on agricultural development, infrastructure growth, and rural empowerment.

Current Officials

Mr. Olaolu Akindolire
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning
APC
Since 2025
Mrs. Bola Ademuwagun
Commissioner for Commerce
APC
Since 2025
Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun
Commissioner for Education
APC
Since 2025
Engr. Alabi Johnson
Commissioner for Energy
APC
Since 2024
Dr. Tob Loko
Commissioner for Environment
APC
Since 2025
Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac
Commissioner for Finance
APC
Since 2024
Mr. Idowu Ajanaku
Commissioner for Information
APC
Since 2025
Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye
Commissioner for Infrastructure
APC
Since 2025
Dr. Olukayode Abraham "Kayode" Ajulo, SAN, OON
Commissioner for Justice
APC
Since 2024
Alhaji Amidu Takuro
Commissioner for Local Government
APC
Since 2025
Hon. Sunday Olajide
Commissioner for Physical Planning
APC
Since 2025
Otunba Adewale Akinlosotu
Commissioner for Regional Integration
APC
Since 2025
Hon. Ayodele Akande
Commissioner for Water Resources
APC
Since 2025
Dr. Seun Abosede Osamaye
Commissioner for Women Affairs
APC
Since 2025
Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry
Commissioner for Youth and Sports
APC
Since 2025
Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami
Deputy Governor
APC
Since 2024
Hon. Gbegudu Ololade James
Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly
APC
Since 2025
Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
Governor
APC
Since 2023
Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti
Secretary to the State Government
APC
Since 2025
Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire
Senator
APC
Since 2023
Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho
Senator
APC
Since 2023
Sen. Olajide "Jide" Ipinsagba Emmanuel
Senator
APC
Since 2023
Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji
Speaker, House of Assembly
APC
Since 2023

Economy of Ondo

The economy of Ondo State is largely driven by agriculture, especially cocoa production, crude oil, bitumen, and timber resources. It is one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states and also has growing industrial and energy sectors.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 5 million people. The state is predominantly Yoruba, with diverse subgroups including the Akoko, Ikale, Ilaje, and Ondo people.
4,800,000
Population
15,500
Area km²
310
Per km²
18
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Ondo

Ondo State has rich cultural heritage with festivals such as the Olojo Festival and Ogun Festival. Popular attractions include Idanre Hills, Ebomi Lake, and Araromi Seaside.

Local Government Areas in Ondo

18 LGAs

Akoko North East
HQ: Ikare-Akoko
183,000
Population

Contains Ikare-Akoko, a major commercial city. Known for Akoko people, cocoa and kola nut.

Akoko North West
HQ: Okeagbe
128,000
Population

Known for the Akoko Yoruba people and cocoa farming. Agricultural LGA in northern Ondo.

Akoko South East
HQ: Isua-Akoko
117,000
Population

Known for cocoa and kola nut farming. The Akoko people have distinctive dialects and cultural practices.

Akoko South West
HQ: Oka-Akoko
157,000
Population

Known for the Oka Akoko kingdom and cocoa farming. Gateway between Ondo and Kogi States.

Akure North
HQ: Akure
169,000
Population

Northern Akure metropolis, growing residential estates along the Akure-Owo road corridor.

Akure South
HQ: Akure
353,000
Population

Contains Akure, the Ondo State capital. Home to Federal University of Technology Akure.

Ese Odo
HQ: Igbekebo
113,000
Population

Riverine LGA on the Atlantic coast, known for offshore oil production and fishing communities.

Idanre
HQ: Idanre
136,000
Population

Known for the Idanre Hills (UNESCO-listed), cocoa farming and tourism. Historic Idanre kingdom.

Ifedore
HQ: Ifon-Orolu
116,000
Population

Known for rubber and cocoa farming. Industrial LGA with growing activities east of Akure.

Ilaje
HQ: Igbokoda
120,000
Population

Coastal LGA on the Atlantic known for offshore oil production, fishing and the Ilaje people.

Ile Oluji/Okeigbo
HQ: Ile Oluji
135,000
Population

Known for cocoa and palm oil farming. Important agricultural LGA in central Ondo.

Irele
HQ: Ode-Irele
116,000
Population

Known for palm oil, rubber and the Irele people. Agricultural LGA in southern Ondo.

Odigbo
HQ: Ore
214,000
Population

Contains Ore, a major petrol depot town and truck stop on the Lagos-Benin expressway.

Okitipupa
HQ: Okitipupa
190,000
Population

Known for the Ilaje and Ikale people, coconut farming and offshore oil.

Ondo East
HQ: Ondo
125,000
Population

Eastern Ondo city, known for cocoa and the expanding Ondo urban area.

Ondo West
HQ: Ondo
250,000
Population

Contains Ondo city, a historic Yoruba kingdom. Known for the Osemawe palace and cocoa farming.

Ose
HQ: Ifon
133,000
Population

Known for the Ose people and cocoa, rubber farming. Border LGA with Edo State.

Owo
HQ: Owo
245,000
Population

Historic city of the Owo Yoruba people. Known for the Owo Museum of Antiquities and bronze art.

History of Ondo State

The territory now known as Ondo State was home to a rich tapestry of Yoruba kingdoms, sub-groups and coastal peoples long before European contact. The dominant political entities were the Ondo Kingdom, the Owo Kingdom, the Ikale chieftaincies, the Ilaje fishing communities of the Atlantic coast, and…
Historical Kingdoms: Ondo Kingdom, Owo Kingdom, Ikale Kingdom, Ilaje chieftaincies, Akoko kingdoms
🕐 Read Full History of Ondo →

2026 Appropriation

₦524.4B
Total Budget — Ondo State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Ondo State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Ondo State under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa totals ₦524.4B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Ondo State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →