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The Honourable Member representing Ilaje Constituency II at the Ondo State House of Assembly, Honourable Princess Olawumi Annah Fayemi-Obayelu, has declared her full solidarity with the people of Atijere and the entire Ilaje nation in the ongoing protest over the Eba island Oil Well, firmly affirming that the oil well rightfully belongs to Ondo State.

Speaking in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, the lawmaker stressed that the people of Ilaje will not, under any circumstance, surrender any portion of their ancestral land or resources to external interests.
She emphasized that the Atijere Oil Well is historically, geographically, and legally within Ondo State, and therefore must remain so.

Honourable Fayemi-Obayelu, while addressing concerned citizens and stakeholders, described the protest as a legitimate and peaceful expression of the people’s resolve to protect their heritage, land, and economic future. She noted that the Ilaje people have always been peace-loving but will remain firm and united in defending what rightfully belongs to them and mostly that that is her ward and her heritage.

“Inch by inch, our ancestral land will not be taken away,” she stated resolutely, assuring her constituents that she will continue to use all lawful and legislative means to safeguard their interests at the State House of Assembly and beyond.

The Honourable Member called on relevant authorities both at the federal level and the people of Ogun state expecially the ijebu faction to respect historical boundaries and ensure justice, fairness, and equity in all matters relating to the ownership of both the natural resources and the land as a whole.

She further urged the protesters to remain calm, orderly, and law-abiding while pursuing their rightful claims.

Honourable Princess Olawumi Annah Fayemi-Obayelu reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to stand with her people at all times, declaring that the unity and collective voice of Ilaje land will prevail.

Fayemi Media Team [FMT]

The Ondo State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Datiwa Half-a-Million Man Walk and Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Sports, Hon. Kehinde Akinrotoye (Bonsue), has congratulated the people of Ondo State and the Executive Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on the state’s 50th anniversary.

He paid tribute to the heroes and heroines whose efforts led to the creation of Ondo State on 3 February 1976, noting that over the past five decades, the state has stood tall as a beacon of resilience, cultural pride and purposeful development.

According to him, from its rich heritage and diverse traditions to its invaluable contributions to education, agriculture, healthcare and human capital development, Ondo State has consistently demonstrated its significance to Nigeria’s overall progress.

Akinrotoye, a former OSOPADEC Commissioner, stated in a congratulatory message signed and made available to newsmen by his media aide, Adeseun Adetayo, in Akure, the state capital, that the golden jubilee is not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to honour the visionaries, leaders and citizens whose sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s achievements.

He added that it should inspire renewed commitment to building a future defined by inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable development.

He prayed that the labour of the state’s past heroes would never be in vain.

He further noted that the journey of the last 50 years reflects the courage, industry and unity of the people of Ondo State men and women who have remained steadfast in the pursuit of peace, progress and prosperity.

“Through challenges and triumphs alike, Ondo State has continued to nurture great minds, preserve its cultural identity and uphold the values of integrity, hard work and communal harmony,” he said.

He expressed hope that the next chapter of the state’s history would bring greater opportunities for its people, deeper unity among its communities and enduring progress that would benefit generations to come.

Akinrotoye commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership, particularly as the sitting governor during this historic milestone, highlighting his efforts in promoting development, stability and inclusive governance.

He expressed optimism about the state’s future under sustained cooperation between the government and the people, while encouraging unity, collective responsibility and continuous progress.

Happy 50th Anniversary to Ondo State.
Long live the Sunshine State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

E-signed

Media Aide to the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Sports and State coordinator of half a million walk

Adeseun Adetayo

03-02-2026

A Jubilee Reflection by Hon. Festus Adefiranye

Fellow citizens of Ondo State,

As we celebrate our state’s Golden Jubilee, we do more than mark a date we Jubilate with profound gratitude for our shared journey

Born in 1976, Ondo State was built on a promise, fueled by the rich gifts of our land and the resilient spirit of our people. For five decades, we have cultivated excellence from our fertile farmlands and energy resources to our renowned institutions of learning and pioneering healthcare. Our strength lies in our unique blend of rich culture and progressive ambition.

This celebration honours our pathfinders and unsung heroes whose toil laid our foundation. Today, we stand on that foundation with renewed vigour under the purposeful leadership of our Executive Governor, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. His administration’s giant strides in fostering inclusive governance, accelerating infrastructural development, and prioritising the welfare and security of our people have injected fresh momentum into our march towards progress. His steady hand is guiding our state confidently into this new era.

Yet, a true Jubilee is also a collective call to renewal. Let this milestone inspire us to strengthen our unity, protect our environment, and deepen our investment in the future our youth. Our diversity is our strength, and together, supporting this vision, we can build a future of sustainable prosperity for all.

Let our celebrations echo across every town a symphony of praise for our past, appreciation for present leadership, and a fanfare of promise for our future.

Happy Golden Jubilee, Ondo State! May our next chapter shine even brighter under the Sunshine.

Jubilate!

Hon. Festus Adefiranye
MHR,Ile-oluji Okeigbo Odigbo Federal Constituency.
Chairman House Committee on Christian Pilgrimage.

The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the declaration of Monday, 2nd February, and Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026, as public holidays across the State.

The declaration is to enable residents of Ondo State to fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, a historic milestone marking five decades of growth, resilience, and collective progress.

The Governor urges citizens to use the opportunity of the holidays to actively join in the celebrations, reflect on the State’s journey so far, and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a more prosperous, peaceful, and united Ondo State.

However, essential service providers are advised to make adequate arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical services during the period.

Signed:
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
January 31, 2026

As Ondo State marks its Golden Jubilee, a chieftain and aspirant for the Ondo State House of Assembly, Prince (Barr.) Lawson Akintokun, has described the state’s 50-year journey as one defined by purpose, resilience and steady growth.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the anniversary of the Sunshine State, Akintokun said the celebration goes beyond the passage of time, noting that the state’s progress reflects the collective strength, culture and determination of its people.

He recalled that the vision laid at the creation of Ondo State in 1976 has continued to grow, cutting across education, enterprise and community development, from the riverine areas of Ilaje to the upland communities of Akoko.

According to him, true development should not be measured solely by the number of years a state has existed, but by the impact on the lives of its citizens, the opportunities created and the unity sustained over time.

Akintokun described the Golden Jubilee as a defining moment for the state to honour its past achievements while consolidating present gains and strategically shaping a more prosperous future.

He also urged residents to remain positive and supportive, expressing confidence in the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whom he described as steering the state toward renewed progress.

“As Ondo State turns 50, this celebration should renew our collective commitment to good governance, inclusive development and shared prosperity,” he said.

Prince Akintokun, who is an aspirant for the Ondo State House of Assembly in Ilaje Constituency II ahead of the 2027 elections, expressed optimism that the next chapter of the state’s journey would surpass the previous ones.

Ondo State, created on February 3, 1976, is marking five decades of existence with a series of commemorative activities to celebrate its history, people and development strides.

Hon. Barr. Lawson Akintokun, Special Assistant on Electoral Matters to the Governor of Ondo State, has extended warm felicitations to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the good people of Ondo State on the occasion of the state’s 50th anniversary.

Akintokun described the Golden Jubilee as a historic milestone that reflects five decades of resilience, unity, and steady socio-economic and political development since the creation of the state.

He commended the visionary leadership of past and present administrations, noting that Ondo State’s growth trajectory is a product of collective commitment to good governance and democratic ideals.

The Special Assistant particularly lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for sustaining democratic values and inclusive governance, stressing that the administration’s efforts have continued to strengthen electoral processes and deepen participatory democracy in the state.

Akintokun wished the governor and the people of Ondo State continued peace, progress, and prosperity, expressing optimism that the years ahead would usher in greater development and democratic consolidation.

This is to formally announce the postponement of the Tinubu/ Datiwa Half a Million Man Walk, which was earlier scheduled to hold on 31 January 2026.

The postponement has become necessary due to the ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations of Ondo State, which commenced yesterday and will culminate on 3 February 2026.

In honour of our dear state and to allow full participation in these historic celebrations, it has become pertinent to reschedule the event to a later date.

A new date for the programme will be communicated in due course.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause our teeming supporters who were already prepared to participate in this epoch-making event, held in support of the second-term bid of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the backing of our Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

We look forward to hosting you soon.

Signed

Hon. Kehinde Akinrotoye Bonsue
SSA on Sports to the Governor of Ondo State and State Coordinator for half a million walk