Ondo State contains 18 Local Government Areas that provide public services and infrastructure locally. From the coastal regions to the forests and hills, each area has its own unique communities and local identity.
In this article, we’ll explore the 18 Local Government Areas in Ondo State. Whether you live in Ondo State or just interested in learning about local governance in Nigeria, you’ll get an inside look at how these areas support their residents and contribute to the state as a whole. Let’s dive in and get to know the diverse Local Government Areas that make up Ondo State!
Overview of Ondo State, Nigeria
Ondo State is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, with its capital at Akure. The state was created in February, 1976 from the former Western State. Ondo State is filled with many natural and man-made attractions like Idanre Hills, Ikerre Beach, Ondo State Cultural Centre, and a host of others.
Geography
Ondo State covers an area of 15,500 square kilometers and lies entirely within the tropics. The state is bordered by Ekiti, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Osun and Ogun states. Ondo state has varying topographies ranging from the coastal riverine areas of Ilaje and Eseodo, to the mountainous areas of Akoko and Idanre and to the central part which is undulating and suitable for agriculture.
Population
With a population of over 5.3 million, Ondo State is endowed with natural resources like crude oil, natural gas, limestone, granite, and forest products.
Economy
The state economy depends primarily on agriculture and fishing. Crops grown include cocoa, palm produce, tobacco, cassava, yam and maize. Ondo state is also richly endowed with mineral resources like bitumen, kaolin, granite, feldspar, limestone and glass-sand. Tourism is another major industry, as the state contains several tourist attractions.
Culture
The state is home to many ethnic groups, including the Ilaje, Ikale, Ondo, Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Idanre and Odigbo. Ondo people are known for their vibrant culture and masquerades like Egungun, Oloolu, Agemo and Ekpe. Traditional music, dancing and drumming are also common at festivals and social events.
Introduction to Local Government in Ondo State
Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria has 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that oversee governance at a local level. These LGAs are responsible for basic amenities like waste management, road maintenance, healthcare centers, and parks. They work with the state government to improve livelihoods across Ondo’s many communities.
The LGAs in Ondo State have a fair amount of autonomy but still work under the oversight of state officials. Each LGA has a chairman, vice chairman, and councilors who are elected to four-year terms. The chairmen help ensure funds from the state are properly allocated in their LGAs. Meanwhile, the councilors represent specific wards within each LGA.
The 18 local government areas in Ondo state are:
Akoko North-East
Akoko North-West
Akoko South-East
Akoko South-West
Akure North
Akure South
Ese Odo
Idanre
Ifedore
Ilaje
Ile Oluji/Okeigbo
Irele
Odigbo
Okitipupa
Ondo East
Ondo West
Ose
Owo
The system of local governments in Ondo State aims to give citizens more say over decision making in their own communities. Though there is still room for improvement, LGAs have helped bring basic services and infrastructure to many areas across Ondo that may have otherwise gone underserved. They showcase the important role local governance plays in a democratic system of government.
Overview of Local Government Areas in Ondo State
Ondo State consists of 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each with their own local administration and officials. These are the local government in Ondo State and their Administrative headquarters:
Akoko North-East (Ikare)
Akoko North-East is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Ikare.
Akoko North-West (Okeagbe)
Akoko North-West is a Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Okeagbe.
Akoko South-West (Oke-Oka)
Akoko South-West is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Oke-Oka.
Akoko South-East (Isua)
Akoko South-East is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Isua.
Akure North (Iju/Itaogbolu)
Akure North is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Iju/Itaogbolu.
Akure South (Akure)
Akure South is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the city of Akure. Akure is the state capital of Ondo State.
Ese Odo (Igbekebo)
Ese Odo is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Igbekebo.
Idanre (Idanre)
Idanre is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Idanre.
Ifedore (Igbara-Oke)
Ifedore is a Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Igbara-Oke.
Ilaje (Igbokoda)
Ilaje local government area is headquartered in Igbokoda, a port town in the southern coastal part of Ondo state. Igbokoda serves as a major fishing port and commercial center for the Ilaje people.
Ile Oluji/Okeigbo (Ile Oluji)
Ile Oluji/Okeigbo local government area has its headquarters in Ile Oluji, a town located in the northern part of Ondo state. It is a major cocoa producing area.
Irele (Ode-Irele)
Irele local government area has its headquarters in Ode-Irele, a town located in the southern part of Ondo state, situated about 40 kilometers southeast of Okitipupa. Ode-Irele is a major palm oil processing center.
Odigbo (Ore)
Odigbo local government area has its headquarters in Ore, a major commercial town located in the southern part of Ondo state. Ore serves as a major gateway into and out of Ondo state.
Okitipupa (Okitipupa)
Okitipupa local government area has its headquarters in Okitipupa, a town located in the southern part of Ondo state. It is an important commercial and educational center in Ondo state.
Ondo East (Bolorunduro)
Bolorunduro is a quiet agricultural town along the Benin-Ore Expressway. It is the headquarters of Ondo East LGA, known for large cassava and cocoa plantations.
Ondo West (Ondo Town)
Ondo Town, the headquarters of Ondo West LGA, is the second largest city and main commercial centre in Ondo State. It has a long history as the capital of the ancient Ondo Kingdom’s. Ondo Town is located along the Lagos-Benin Expressway and Lagos-Port Harcourt rail line.
Ose (Ifon)
Ifon in Ose LGA is a historic town located in the Ondo North senatorial district, known as the gateway into Ondo State from Edo State. Ifon is a major producer of cocoa, palm oil and timber. The Ose River flows through the town with two main tributaries.
Owo (Owo Town)
Owo is a city in Owo LGA and the largest in Ondo North senatorial district. It is home to the famous Olowo of Owo, an ancient Yoruba kingdom. Owo is known for the Owo Museum which houses many artifacts of the Owo people. The town has a notable weekend market called ‘Oja Oba’ Market.
Functions of Local Governments in Ondo State
Local governments in Ondo State serve several key functions within their communities. As the tier of government closest to the people, they are responsible for basic service delivery and infrastructure at a local level.
Provision of Basic Amenities
Local governments provide essential amenities like roads, bridges, town halls, markets, primary healthcare centers, and primary schools. They also oversee waste management, street lighting, and maintenance of recreational facilities like public parks and gardens.
Revenue Generation
Local governments generate revenue through taxes, rates, licenses and levies within their jurisdiction. The revenue generated is used to execute projects, pay salaries and fund day-to-day operations. Some of the revenue sources include property tax, business premises levy, market taxes and motor park levies.
Maintenance of Law and Order
Local government authorities work with law enforcement agencies like the police to maintain security and enforce laws within their domain. They also set up local vigilante groups and neighborhood watch teams to complement the efforts of the police.
Poverty Alleviation
Local governments implement poverty alleviation programs targeted at vulnerable groups like women, youth, elderly and disabled persons within their communities. Some of the interventions include skills acquisition programs, microfinance schemes and distribution of relief materials.
In summary, local governments in Ondo State are responsible for service delivery, revenue generation, security, and poverty reduction at the grassroots level. By performing these functions effectively, they help to improve the living standards of citizens and facilitate sustainable development.
Challenges Facing Local Governments in Ondo State
Local governments in Ondo State face several challenges that hinder their effectiveness.
Lack of Funds
Local governments rely mostly on allocations from the state and federal government, which are often insufficient to execute projects and pay salaries. Their inability to generate internal revenue leaves them cash-strapped.
Corruption
Misappropriation and embezzlement of funds by elected officials and government workers is rampant. Funds meant for community development are diverted into private pockets. This sabotages progress.
Nepotism
Appointments and employment are often based on favoritism and ‘godfatherism’ rather than merit. This results in a workforce that lacks the competence to perform their duties.
Political Interference
Local government administration is highly politicized. Elected chairmen are mere puppets of their political sponsors and lack autonomy.
Inadequate Infrastructure
Most local governments lack basic infrastructure like good road networks, healthcare facilities, pipe-borne water, and educational institutions. This makes life difficult for citizens.
Poverty
Widespread poverty among citizens hinders their ability to pay taxes and levies to boost the local government’s revenue. This vicious cycle perpetuates underdevelopment.
Addressing these challenges through transparency, accountability, education and community participation can strengthen local governance in Ondo State. But political will is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about local government in Ondo State.
How many local government areas are in Ondo State?
Ondo State has 18 local government areas with Akure as the state capital. Each local government area is administered by a Local Government Council which is made up of elected councilors and headed by a chairman.
How are local government chairmen elected in Ondo State?
Local government chairmen and councilors in Ondo State are elected through a democratic process. Interested candidates contest and campaign for the positions. On election day, registered voters go to the polls to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. The candidates with the highest number of votes are declared winners and sworn into office. Local government elections are conducted by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission.
What is the relationship between local governments and the state government?
Local governments in Ondo State operate under the supervision of the state government. The state government allocates funds to local governments, approves their budgets, and has oversight on their expenditure. The state governor also has the power to suspend or dissolve a local government council. However, local governments still have reasonable autonomy to govern their areas.
What languages are spoken in Ondo State?
The main languages spoken in Ondo State are Yoruba, English, and Pidgin English. Yoruba is the dominant indigenous language.
What natural resources does Ondo State have?
Ondo State is rich in natural resources like crude oil, natural gas, granite, cocoa, palm produce and more. Ondo State is the largest cocoa producing state in Nigeria.
What cultural festivals are celebrated in Ondo State?
Some popular cultural festivals in Ondo State include the Ogun Festival, Orosun Festival, Oke Maria Festival, Igogo Festival and the Ayepe Day Festival. These festivals showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
What are some popular tourist attractions in Ondo State?
Some major tourist sites in Ondo State include the Idanre Hills, Oke Maria Shrine, Oba’s Palace, Igbokoda Beach, Emure oke and the Owo Museum. Ondo State has a lot to offer visitors interested in culture, history, nature and leisure.
What major towns are in Ondo State?
Some of the major towns in Ondo State apart from the state capital Akure include: Owo, Ondo, Ore, Ikare-Akoko, Okitipupa, Igbokoda, Odigbo, Ilaje, Ugbo, Igboman, Igbotako and Aiyetoro. These towns serve as important commercial, agricultural and educational hubs within their local government areas.
Who is the current governor of Ondo State?
The current governor of Ondo state is Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in on 27 December 2023 following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the 18 local government areas that make up Ondo State. From Akoko Southwest to Owo and everywhere in between, each LGA contributes its own unique identity to the colorful mosaic that is Ondo. You now know a little bit more about the local governments that govern at the grassroots level.