Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ondo State: Full List & Details

Ondo State, located in the Southwestern region of Nigeria, is one of the most resource-rich and educationally advanced states in the country. Often referred to as the "Sunshine State", it was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western State. The state is known for its vast natural resources, thriving agricultural sector, and educational institutions.

Ondo State is divided into 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) which serve as the primary administrative divisions that facilitate governance, grassroots development, and local resource management.

This detailed article provides the complete list of LGAs in Ondo State, including their headquarters, and a detailed breakdown of the key features, economic activities, demographic relevance, and cultural importance of each LGA.
 

Quick Facts About Ondo State

• Capital: Akure

• Nickname: Sunshine State

• Date Created: February 3, 1976

• Region: South-West Nigeria

• Number of LGAs: 18

• Major Ethnic Groups: Yoruba (predominantly Akoko, Owo, Ondo, and Ilaje subgroups)

• Languages: Yoruba, English, Ikale, Apoi, Ilaje

• Economic Activities: Agriculture, oil and gas, education, trade, fishing

• Natural Resources: Crude oil, bitumen, limestone, granite

• Landmark Institutions: Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Adekunle Ajasin University

Full List of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ondo State

Detailed Overview of Each LGA in Ondo State

1. Akoko North-East

• Headquarters: Ikare

• Features: Densely populated, highly urbanized

• Economy: Commerce, education, and small-scale industry

• Highlights: Known for cocoa and kolanut farming

2. Akoko North-West

• Headquarters: Okeagbe

• Activities: Subsistence farming, local trade

• Culture: Rich Yoruba traditions with multiple Akoko dialects

3. Akoko South-East

• Headquarters: Isua

• Land Use: Agrarian community

• Products: Yam, cassava, maize

4. Akoko South-West

• Headquarters: Oka-Akoko

• Economy: Cocoa, plantain cultivation

• Significance: Birthplace of many notable Ondo intellectuals

5. Akure North

• Headquarters: Iju/Itaogbolu

• Proximity: Borders the capital city, Akure

• Growth: Real estate, educational institutions, farming

6. Akure South

• Headquarters: Akure

• Capital Territory: Houses state government and major institutions

• Infrastructure: Urban, with universities, tech hubs, and markets

• Economic Activities: Commerce, transport, government services

7. Ese-Odo

• Headquarters: Igbekebo

• Location: Coastal/riverside area

• Inhabitants: Ijaw, Apoi, and Arogbo ethnic groups

• Industry: Fishing, canoe making, palm oil

8. Idanre

• Headquarters: Owena

• Tourism: Idanre Hills – major natural attraction

• Agriculture: Cocoa and orange cultivation

• Heritage: Idanre Town is a UNESCO heritage candidate

9. Ifedore

• Headquarters: Igbara-Oke

• Economy: Farming and education

• Institutions: Elizade University

10. Ilaje

• Headquarters: Igbokoda

• Position: Coastal oil-producing LGA

• Industries: Crude oil, fishing, boat building

• Challenges: Flooding and underdevelopment

11. Ile Oluji/Okeigbo

• Headquarters: Ile Oluji

• Economic Activities: Cocoa, kolanut, and textile weaving

• Industry: Cocoa Processing Industry (CPI) is based here

12. Irele

• Headquarters: Irele

• Culture: Ikale-speaking communities

• Agriculture: Oil palm and cassava processing

13. Odigbo

• Headquarters: Ore

• Commercial Hub: Connects Ondo with neighboring states

• Growth: Fast-developing urban corridor

• Markets: Ore International Market

14. Okitipupa

• Headquarters: Okitipupa

• Significance: Historical center of Western Region education

• Institutions: OSUSTECH (Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Tech)

• Industries: Palm oil, timber, and local crafts

15. Ondo East

• Headquarters: Bolorunduro

• Land Use: Agrarian and rural

• Communities: Small farming towns and markets

16. Ondo West

• Headquarters: Ondo Town

• Highlights: One of the most developed non-capital towns

• Institutions: Adeyemi Federal University of Education

• Commerce: Artisanship, textile, produce market

17. Ose

• Headquarters: Ifon

• Resources: Granite, limestone, and other solid minerals

• Farming: Cassava, yam, beans

18. Owo

• Headquarters: Owo

• Culture: Ancient kingdom with deep-rooted Yoruba heritage

• Historic Value: Former seat of the Owo Kingdom

• Institutions: Federal Medical Centre, Achievers University

Economic Strengths of Ondo State LGAs

Ondo State LGAs contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy through:

• ✅ Oil Production – Especially in Ilaje and Ese-Odo

• ✅ Agriculture – Cocoa, kolanut, cassava, yam across most LGAs

• ✅ Solid Minerals – Ose and Owo have deposits of granite and limestone

• ✅ Education – Akure South, Owo, and Ondo West are educational centers

• ✅ Tourism – Idanre Hills, Owo Museum, Okitipupa landscapes

FAQs on Ondo State LGAs

Q1: How many LGAs are there in Ondo State?
A: Ondo State has 18 Local Government Areas.

Q2: What is the capital of Ondo State?
A: The capital is Akure, located in Akure South LGA.

Q3: Which LGA is known for oil production in Ondo?
A: Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs are oil-producing areas.

Q4: Where is Idanre Hills located?
A: Idanre Hills is located in Idanre LGA.

Q5: Which LGA is the most urbanized after Akure?
A: Ondo West LGA, which includes Ondo Town, is the most urbanized after Akure.

Q6: What LGA houses Adekunle Ajasin University?
A: The university is located in Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South-West LGA.

Q7: Is Ore a local government in Ondo State?
A: Ore is a major town and the headquarters of Odigbo LGA.

Conclusion

The Local Government Areas in Ondo State reflect a unique mix of economic potential, cultural richness, natural beauty, and development opportunities. From the oil-rich coastlines of Ilaje to the educational nerve centers in Akure and Ondo Town, each LGA contributes to the state’s overall success story.

As Nigeria diversifies and strengthens its sub-national economies, understanding the LGAs in Ondo State offers insights into investment opportunities, cultural tourism, agricultural development, and local governance strategies.