The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, the Osemawe and Paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom officially proclaimed Ondo a city on Saturday 5th of December, 2015.
Planning towards the proclamation started in 2011 during the 500 years celebration of Ondo Kingdom when he said by 2015 Ondo will become a city. This gave birth to the inauguration of Ondo Vision 2015 committee under the chairmanship of Chief GFG Akinwolemiwa. The committee was saddled with the responsibility of providing necessary machinery and resources at making Ondo a city.
In the early hours of Saturday 5th, December 2015, Ondo indigenes in their numbers were seen in joyous mood as they await the proclamation. Ondo sons and daughters from all works of life dressed in colourful traditional attires converged at the Ondo Sport Stadium.
The arrival of Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko who is a son of the soil was greeted with a loud ovation from people present at the occasion. The program started with an opening prayer by Provost Emeritus Modupe.
The Eghaes (High Chiefs), Ukules, Elegbes, Ijamas, Lojas, Lobuns and Baales all dressed in Alaari danced in order of hierarchy to pay homage to the king. Other social clubs in different attire paid homage to the King and invited guests.
The youths were not left out in the celebration as members of Ondo Youth Association, FOESU and Secondary School students marched round the track. It was indeed a glamorous event.
At exactly, 4:11am Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo proclaimed Ondo a city as Governor Mimiko unveiled the Ondo city statue.
Fireworks and wild jubilation followed the declaration.
Click to see some of the pictures of the historical event