Capital of Ondo State — Akure

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 the numerous Akoko kingdoms of the northern highlands — each with distinct histories, dialects and

First governor: Commander Ebitu Ukiwe

Read full Ondo State history →

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.

As capital, Akure concentrates civil service employment and administrative services that support the wider Ondo economy.

Akure is the political and administrative centre of Ondo State in Nigeria’s South West zone. Government House, the State House of Assembly and core ministries are based here.

Ondo State, known as “Land of Virtue”, relies on Akure as its primary seat of government.

For census totals, growth rates and LGA breakdowns, use the dedicated Ondo population page — this capital page focuses on the seat of government, not state-wide demographics.