Observing the 50th anniversary of the founding of our beloved Ondo State fills me with immense joy and contentment. On this golden jubilee of our shared adventure, I extend my sincere congratulations to the government and the fine people of the state. In addition to providing a chance for celebration, this milestone presents a somber opportunity for introspection about where we started, how far we’ve come, and the sacrifices that allowed our state to exist.
It is true that a lot has happened since this great state was established. We give thanks to God for the small yet outstanding accomplishments over the years. Even if 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 if we have a strong sense of purpose, a renewed dedication, and effective leadership.
God has abundantly endowed Ondo State. We must have the discernment to use our resources—natural resources, human capital, and opportunities—under the guidance 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 juncture in the history of our state by divine design. I have faith that God will utilize him for Ondo State’s glory, advancement, and long-term growth. It is our collective job to strengthen his hands via collaboration, encouragement, and shared accountability, particularly during a period when there are many chances for growth that shouldn’t be wasted.
It is crucial that we remember the struggles of our heroes in the past as we commemorate Ondo’s 50th birthday. There were patriots who persisted in the face of uncertainty and indifference, visionaries who came up with the concept of Ondo State, champions who carried the weight of advocacy, and men and women who saw the future when others did not. The real icons of Ondo State are these people. Even though the state might have been established in the end, it is unlikely that it would have developed into what it is today without their sacrifices.
It is important to note that the commonwealth these pioneers worked to establish did not directly benefit them. Instead, they taxed themselves and contributed from their own funds to make Ondo State’s ambition a reality. Even though I was quite young in the 1970s, I personally saw these initiatives. At my late father’s office on Hospital Road in Akure, I witnessed teachers, school principals, and senior civil workers congregate, have meetings, and pledge their support for state establishment.
Because of this, I have constantly counseled people in charge of honors and prizes during this 50th anniversary celebration to remember these magnificent icons—living and dead alike. In order 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 that is worthy of 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 served as 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 are deserving of great honors and immortality.
According to historical accounts, Chief Akinyede led the first state creation movement, which met in Akure Secondary Commercial College, Oke-Aro, along Idanre Road, with Prince Deji Adegoroye serving as secretary. Later, Baba Reuben Fasoranti was among the members of a new organization that was led by Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin. Prior to this, this second group was a part of a larger political organization that supported Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It’s interesting to note that Prince Deji Adegoroye was once more proposed as this new group’s secretary.
The unity of purpose necessary for success was once undermined by competitiveness and mistrust. 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 far surpassed 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 was appointed Publicity Secretary, Prince Deji Adegoroye was appointed Secretary-General, and Chief Akinyede continued to hold the chairmanship. Prince Deji Adegoroye’s legal offices at 29 New Hospital Road in Akure served as the movement’s secretariat.
It is impossible to overestimate the efforts of other notable figures, such as Papa Ajasin, Baba Fasoranti, and many traditional leaders, elders, and professionals throughout the state. Their combined efforts guaranteed the struggle’s ultimate victory and the establishment of Ondo State.
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, as we celebrate this golden jubilee. Their memories will be honored, current and future generations will be inspired, and the principles of selfless service and group sacrifice will be reaffirmed.
I shall forward this plea to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, after making representations to the relevant authorities. May Ondo State prosper in the future.
