State: Ondo

Ondo State sits along Nigeria’s southwestern coast, with Akure, once the seat of the ancient Akure Kingdom, as its capital. It was created on 3 February 1976, out of the old Western State.

The state borders Ekiti to the north, Kogi to the northeast, Edo to the east, Delta to the southeast, Ogun to the southwest, and Osun to the northwest, with the Atlantic Ocean along its southern edge.

Ondo is home to several Yoruba subgroups, including the Idanre, Akoko, Akure, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo, Ese Odo, Owo, and Ose peoples, while Ijaw communities live in the swamps along the southeastern coast.

Cocoa farming has defined the local economy for generations, and the state remains one of Nigeria’s top cocoa producers. Asphalt mining and activities tied to the long Atlantic coastline add further income.

The Idanre hills, a cluster of inselbergs rising over 1,000 meters, form the highest point in western Nigeria, and the old settlement built into the rocks above modern Idanre town is now a protected heritage site.

Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, musician King Sunny Ade, actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, comedian Ayo Makun, and former governors Olusegun Mimiko and Rotimi Akeredolu all come from Ondo.