By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State Government on Tuesday night crowned its Golden Jubilee celebrations with a grand gala and award ceremony at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
At the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and elder statesman Chief Reuben Fasoranti were among eminent personalities honoured for their contributions to the state and national development.
The event, attended by dignitaries from across the country, also recognised former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the incumbent, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and 66 other distinguished sons, daughters and friends of the state in what officials described as a night of reflection, legacy and celebration of service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the evening marked a fitting climax to a day of activities commemorating 50 years of Ondo State’s creation, noting that the awards symbolised the collective effort, shared sacrifice and enduring aspirations that had shaped the state over five decades.
He said the earlier celebrations at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, reflected the spirit and unity of the people, while the gala was dedicated to honouring individuals whose lives had brought distinction to the state and contributed meaningfully to national progress.
The governor stressed that the milestone required a mature engagement with history, emphasising that societies advance when excellence is recognised and institutions endure when character is celebrated.
He described the awards as expressions of collective gratitude rather than ceremonial tokens, adding that true excellence was rooted in discipline, purpose and sustained contribution.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to former governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko and Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; former deputy governors Omolade Oluwateru, Ali Olanusi, Lasisi Oluboyo and Alfred Agboola Ajayi; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Justices Olusegun Odusola and Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju; Major General Olu Bajowa (retd) and Vice Admiral Akintunde Aduwo; traditional ruler Oba Olu Falae; and music icon King Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as Sunny Ade.
Other awardees included Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Engr Bernard Aliu, Prof Oluyinka Olutoye, Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele, Rt Hon Bamidele Oloyelogun, Hon Chief Mrs Mobolaji Osomo, High Chief Johnson Fagbemi, Asiwaju Oluyemi Ogunyemi, Dr Amos Akingba, Chief Michael Ade Ojo (Elizade), Engr Emmanuel Adewunmi of Denki Wires, Prof Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe, Pa Oyekan Arije, Engr Funsho Kupolokun, Chief Sunday Ehindero, Chief Joseph Sanusi, Chief Solomon Oladunni, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Air Vice Marshal Kola Ademuwagun, Oba Samuel Egunjobi, the Alafo of Afo, and Madam Winifred Adefolahan Awosika.
Posthumous awards were conferred on notable figures who played significant roles in the development of Ondo State and Nigeria, including former Head of State General Murtala Mohammed; former governors Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu and Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN; distinguished jurists Justices Akinola Aguda and Gladys Olateru-Olagbegi; rights activist Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN; Barrister Deji Adegoroye; industrialist Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun; Chief Olu Adeyemi; Chief Gilbert Akinyede; religious leader Pastor T. B. Joshua; Chief Afolabi Iyantan; and several senior military officers including Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme, Brigadier-General Esijolomi Tuoyo, Commodore Michael Bamidele Otiko, Captain Okhai Mike Akhigbe, Colonel Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye, Navy Captain Sunday Abiodun Olukoya, Lt Colonel Lucky Mike Torey, Colonel Ahmed A. Usman, Navy Captain Anthony Ibe Onyeagubulem and Colonel Moses O. Fasanya.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the Golden Jubilee was not about romanticising the past but about drawing strength from history to confront future challenges, particularly the need to build stronger institutions, diversify the economy, deepen social cohesion and expand opportunities for young people.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the celebration as a testament to Ondo State’s transformation over the decades, noting that many who grew up in local communities would scarcely recognise the landmarks of their youth today.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who attended the ceremony, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, describing the First Lady as a source of pride to Osun State.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, said the anniversary provided a platform to chart a sustainable future for the state, particularly through youth engagement.
He disclosed that an essay competition for young people aged between 20 and 25 attracted 118 entries within five days, with ten adjudged outstanding and three selected for prizes.
Ajulo added that the initiative was conceived as a time capsule projecting the state’s trajectory over the next two decades, revealing that a formal charter prepared by the Ministry of Justice would be signed by key state officials and preserved as a binding covenant for future generations.
The gala night formed the high point of activities marking Ondo State’s 50th anniversary, celebrating the contributions of individuals whose efforts have shaped the identity and progress of the Sunshine State over the past five decades.
