Ondo at 50: A Time to Honour the State’s Founding Fathers

Observing the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our beloved Ondo State brings me immense joy and contentment. On this golden jubilee of our shared adventure, I sincerely congratulate the government and the good people of the state. In addition to providing a chance for celebration, this milestone gives a somber time for introspection about where we started, how far we’ve come, and the sacrifices that made our state possible.

It’s true that a lot has happened since this great state was established. We give thanks to God for the small yet outstanding accomplishments that have been documented over the years. Even while we might not be where we want to be or where we should be right now, there is no doubt that we will eventually get there with a strong sense of purposeful leadership, fresh dedication, and collective resolve.

God has wonderfully endowed Ondo State. We must have the discernment to use our resources—natural resources, human capital, and opportunities—under the direction of capable leadership. I would especially like to congratulate His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, our Sunshine Governor, on this momentous occasion. I am convinced that he is in charge at this pivotal point in the history of our state by divine design. I have faith that God will utilize him for Ondo State’s honor, advancement, and long-term growth. It is our collective responsibility to strengthen his hands via collaboration, encouragement, and shared accountability, particularly during a period when growth possibilities are abundant and should not be wasted.

It is crucial that we remember the sacrifices made by our heroes in the past as we commemorate Ondo’s 50th birthday. There were visionaries who came up with the concept of Ondo State, champions who carried the weight of advocacy, patriots who persisted in the face of doubt and apathy, and men and women who saw the future when others did not. These people are Ondo State’s real icons. Without their sacrifices, it is unlikely that the state would have developed into what it is now, even though it may have eventually been established.

It is important to note that these pioneers did not directly profit from the commonwealth they worked to establish. Instead, they taxed themselves and used their own funds to help make Ondo State a reality. Even though I was quite young in the 1970s, I saw these initiatives firsthand. At my late father’s office on Hospital Road in Akure, I witnessed teachers, school principals, and senior government officials congregate, have meetings, and pledge their support for the establishment of a state.

Because of this, I have repeatedly told those in charge of honors and prizes during this 50th anniversary celebration that these super icons—living and dead—must not be forgotten. To create a robust and long-lasting future, we must honor the sacrifices made by our heroes in the past. Ondo State is built on the foundation of their legacies, and we must create a state commensurate with the sacrifices they made.

The late Chief Gilbert B. Akinyede, a wealthy Ode-Ekiti lawyer from Lagos; the late Prince Deji Adegoroye, a lawyer from Akure who was the Ondo State Creation Movement’s Secretary-General; and Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, the movement’s Publicity Secretary, were among the leading pioneers of the fight to establish Ondo State. These three should be honored and immortalized.

According to historical accounts, Chief Akinyede spearheaded the first state creation movement, which met in Akure Secondary Commercial College, Oke-Aro, along Idanre Road, with Prince Deji Adegoroye serving as secretary. Baba Reuben Fasoranti was one of the members of another group that later formed under the leadership of Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin. This second group had previously been a part of a larger political organization that supported Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It’s interesting to note that Prince Deji Adegoroye was once more nominated to serve as this new group’s secretary.

The unity of purpose necessary for success was once undermined by mistrust and rivalry. Nonetheless, it is documented that Chief G.B.A. Akinyede made a strong plea, asking all parties involved to acknowledge that the advantages of unity greatly exceeded any political or personal disagreements. A cohesive movement resulted from the traditional rulers’ intervention throughout the state, which further assisted in mending the divisions. In the end, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa served as Publicity Secretary, Prince Deji Adegoroye was appointed Secretary-General, and Chief Akinyede kept the chairmanship. Prince Deji Adegoroye’s legal offices at 29 New Hospital Road, Akure served as the movement’s secretariat.

It is impossible to overestimate the efforts of other notable leaders, such as Papa Ajasin, Baba Fasoranti, and many traditional rulers, elders, and professionals throughout the state. Their combined efforts guaranteed the struggle’s ultimate success and the establishment of Ondo State.

As we celebrate this golden jubilee, I humbly urge the Ondo State Government to take advantage of this momentous occasion to honor our state’s founding fathers, especially Chief G.B. Akinyede, Prince Deji Adegoroye, and Chief Sehinde Arogbofa. Their memories will be honored, current and future generations will be motivated, and the principles of selfless service and group sacrifice will be reaffirmed.

I have presented this plea to the relevant authorities and will also forward it to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State. I hope Ondo State keeps growing.