By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Since Ondo State’s creation in 1976, it’s been governed by 19 individuals. From military leaders to democratically elected officials, this guide looks into the history of Ondo State’s governors.
Also, you will learn about the first military and civilian governors of Ondo State, and the current individual leading the state forward.
-
Ita David Ikpeme (March 17, 1976 – July 24, 1978) – Military
-
Sunday Tuoyo (July 24, 1978 – October 1, 1979) – Military
-
Michael Adekunle Ajasin (October 1, 1979 – December 31, 1983) – Democracy (2nd Republic), Unity Party of Nigeria
-
Michael Bamidele Otiko (January 2, 1984 – September 2, 1985) – Military
-
Michael Okhai Akhigbe (September 2, 1985 – August 26, 1986) – Military
-
Ekundayo B. Opaleye (August 26, 1986 – December 17, 1987) – Military
-
Raji Alagbe Rasaki (December 17, 1987 – July 1988) – Military
-
Bode George (July 1988 – September 3, 1990) – Military
-
Sunday Abiodun Olukoya (September 3, 1990 – January 3, 1992) – Military
-
Bamidele Olumilua (January 3, 1992 – November 17, 1993) – Democracy (3rd Republic), Social Democratic Party
-
Mike Torey (December 9, 1993 – September 1994) – Military
-
Ahmed Usman (September 1994 – August 22, 1996) – Military
-
Anthony Onyearugbulem (August 22, 1996 – August 7, 1998) – Military
-
Moses Fasanya (August 7, 1998 – May 29, 1999) – Military
-
Adebayo Adefarati (May 29, 1999 – May 29, 2003) – Democracy (4th Republic), Alliance for Democracy
-
Olusegun Agagu (May 29, 2003 – February 23, 2009) – Democracy (4th Republic), Peoples Democratic Party
-
Olusegun Mimiko (February 24, 2009 – February 24, 2017) – Democracy (4th Republic), Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party
-
Rotimi Akeredolu (February 24, 2017 – December 27, 2023) – Democracy (4th Republic), All Progressives Congress
-
Lucky Aiyedatiwa (December 27, 2023 – Present) – Democracy (4th Republic), All Progressives Congress
Who Was The First Military Governor Of Ondo State?
The first military governor of Ondo State was Ita David Ikpeme. He was the governor from February 3, 1976, to July 24, 1978. Ikpeme was a retired Nigerian Air Force group captain.
Then he became governor when Ondo State was carved out of the old Western State during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ikpeme had a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of London. During his time as governor, he started road construction in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State.
However, in December 1985, Ikpeme was named as a suspect in a coup plot against the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
After retiring from the Air Force, Ikpeme ventured into business. He was involved in various business ventures, including being one of the owners of Bailey Bridges Nigeria.
The company proposed to operate a pontoon ferry across the Kwale River in 1997. Besides, Ikpeme served on the board of directors of Ekondo Microfinance Bank in 2009. He was also the chairman of Davandy Finance & Securities Ltd, a financial service company incorporated in 1997.
Again, Ikpeme contributed to the finance committee of the Efik National Association, which aims to improve the health, social, and economic well-being of the people of Calabar.
Who Was The First Civilian Governor Of Ondo State?
Michael Adekunle Ajasin was the very first civilian governor of Ondo State, Nigeria. He led the state from October 1, 1979, to December 31, 1983, representing the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
Born on November 28, 1908, in Owo, Ondo State, Ajasin started his life as a teacher before turning to politics. Ajasin played a big role in Nigeria’s politics before the country became independent.
He worked closely with the Action Group and later became a lawmaker. In 1976, he became the leader of Owo’s local government. When Nigeria decided to try democracy again, he joined the Unity Party of Nigeria.
As governor, Ajasin focused a lot on education in Ondo State. He wanted every child to have the chance to go to school, so he started the Ondo State University. He also opened The Polytechnic in Owo.
These schools gave young people the opportunity to learn and grow. Ajasin wasn’t just interested in education; he also fought for democracy in Nigeria.
He was part of a group called the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). They wanted elections to be fair, and they wanted everyone to have the freedom to express themselves.
Ajasin’s belief in democracy was so strong that he was even arrested for it. In all, Michael Adekunle Ajasin passed away on October 3, 1997. Even though he’s no longer with us, his legacy lives on.
People remember him for his dedication to education and democracy in Nigeria. He’s seen as a hero who worked hard to make life better for the people of Ondo State.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Ondo State?
The current governor of Ondo State is Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. He began his role as governor on December 27, 2023.
Before being governor, Aiyedatiwa worked as the second-in-command, known as the deputy governor, from February 24, 2021, until he became governor.
He was born on January 12, 1965, in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Talking about Aiyedatiwa’s education, he studied in different places.
He finished his early schooling at Saint Peter’s UNA Primary School and later at Ikosi High School. He then went to Lagos State College of Education, where he learned about Economics and Government.
After that, he went to the University of Ibadan and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, where he studied business.
Even before he started his political career, Aiyedatiwa ran a successful business. He started the Blue Wall Group of Companies, which included trading, foreign exchange, and travel agency businesses.
However, Aiyedatiwa joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011 and later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). He represented Ondo State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission from 2018 to 2019.
Aiyedatiwa’s political career continued when he was chosen as the partner of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for the 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election. They won and started working in their roles on February 25, 2021.
When Akeredolu had to leave for medical reasons, Aiyedatiwa stepped in as the temporary leader from June to September 2023, and again from December 13 to December 27, 2023. After Akeredolu passed away on December 27, 2023, Aiyedatiwa became the governor of Ondo State.