Ondo Town is the second largest town in Ondo State, Nigeria. It is a major trade center for the surrounding region, producing commercial crops such as yams, cassava, grain, tobacco, and cotton—the latter often used in weaving the culturally significant Aso Oke fabric, a traditional attire among the local population.
The town is also the largest producer of cocoa products in the region.
Monarchy
The monarch of Ondo Town bears the title "Osemawe", a title that originated from a historical linguistic transformation. According to legend, when the favored wife of the first monarch gave birth to twins—an abomination at the time—the king exclaimed, "Ese omo re!" ("These children are an abomination"). Over time, this exclamation evolved into "Osemawe".
- Current Monarch: Dr. Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo
- Coronation: September 2006
- Predecessor: Dr. Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye
Educational Institutions
Ondo Town hosts numerous higher education institutions, making it an academic hub in the region:
Universities and Polytechnics
Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (est. 2015)
- First specialized medical university in Nigeria
- Third in Africa
- Accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC)
National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo
- Established in 1992 by the Federal Ministry of Education and UNESCO
- Offers training, consulting, research, and resource center services
Wesley University
- Private university owned by the Methodist Church of Nigeria
Adeyemi University of Education
- Federal government-owned
- Affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University
- Ranked Nigeria’s best college of education
Ondo City Polytechnic
- Privately funded
- Founded in 2017
John Bosco Institute of Technology, Ondo City
Secondary Schools
- Adeyemi College Demonstration Secondary School
- Homaj International Secondary School
- Ondo Boys' High School (Founded in 1919)
- One of Africa's 50 oldest schools
Over 200 public and private schools are located in the town.
Climate
Ondo Town experiences a tropical climate characterized by a wet and dry season, supporting its rich agricultural activities.
Notable People from Ondo Town
- Brig. Samuel Ademulegun – First Nigerian Brigadier; assassinated in 1966 coup.
- King Sunny Adé – Legendary juju musician and global music icon.
- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje – British actor, former model; fluent in Yoruba.
- Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE – Royal portrait painter; painted Queen Elizabeth II in 2001.
- Mo Abudu – Renowned media mogul and philanthropist.
- Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – Actress, singer, and humanitarian; listed in TIME's 100 Most Influential People.
- Dr. Frederick Fasehun – Medical doctor, OPC founder, and hotelier.
- Gani Fawehinmi SAN – Human rights activist and philanthropist.
- Olu Maintain – Singer of 2008’s hit “Yahooze”.
- Olusegun Mimiko – Former Governor of Ondo State and ex-Minister of Housing.
- Godfrey Oboabona – Nigerian international footballer.
- Prof. Ifedayo Oladapo OON, NNOM – Renowned civil engineer.
- Archbishop Timothy Olufosoye – First African Primate of Church of Nigeria.
- Wale (Olubowale Victor Akintimehin) – US-based rapper of Maybach Music Group.
- Bimbo Oshin – Nollywood actress.
- Yemi Blaq – Nollywood actor.
- Teniola Apata (Teni) – Nigerian musician.
- Niniola – Nigerian musician.
External Links
- ondocityvision2015.org(http://ondocityvision2015.org)
- ekimogundescendant.org(http://ekimogundescendant.org)
- monarch-osemawe44th.org(http://monarch-osemawe44th.org)