Prominent Nigerian nationalist, politician and statesman associated with the political and educational development of the old Western Region and Yoruba society.
Ondo State • Notable People
Famous & Notable People from Ondo State
12 remarkable individuals across politics, business, entertainment, sports, arts, law, and activism — people who shaped Ondo State, Nigeria, and the world.
12Notable people
4Categories
6Living
6Deceased
Politics & Government (6)
First elected civilian Governor of Ondo State during the Second Republic and an important figure in Yoruba political history.
Former Governor of Ondo State and prominent political figure who served as military administrator and later as civilian governor.
Former Governor of Ondo State and medical doctor who served two terms from 2009 to 2017.
Governor of Ondo State. He became governor in 2023 and won the 2024 governorship election.
Elder statesman, teacher and prominent Yoruba political figure associated with Ondo State and national public affairs.
Other (4)
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State from 2017 until his death in 2023.
Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian writer, playwright and intellectual with strong Yoruba cultural connections and national influence.
Prominent Nigerian lawyer, human-rights activist, publisher and political campaigner.
Pioneer Yoruba-language novelist and author of works including The Forest of Olodumare, which helped popularise Yoruba mythology and oral traditions.
Sports (1)
Nigerian basketball player and former national team captain who represented Nigeria internationally.
Academia & Education (1)
Prominent Nigerian historian and professor known for extensive scholarship on African, Nigerian and Yoruba history.
About Ondo State's Notable People
Ondo State has produced some of Nigeria's — and Africa's — most celebrated figures across every field of human endeavour. The 12 people documented on this page represent a cross-section of the individuals who have made Ondo State a source of national pride.
How Notable People Are Selected
The people listed on this page are selected based on their national or international recognition, the significance of their contributions to their field, and their documented connection to Ondo State through birth, origin, or long-term residence. The list is not exhaustive — Ondo State has produced many more remarkable people than can be documented in a single page.
About Ondo State
To learn more about the state that produced these notable individuals, visit the full history of Ondo State, including its pre-colonial kingdoms, colonial history, and modern era. See also the list of Ondo State governors and the local government areas of Ondo State.
Frequently Asked Questions — People from Ondo State
Who are the most famous people from Ondo State?
Ondo State has produced 12 widely recognised notable people across various fields. Among the most famous are: Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Mimiko, Rotimi Akeredolu, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Wole Soyinka, Gani Fawehinmi, and many others.
Which musicians are from Ondo State?
Ondo State has produced many celebrated musicians in Nigeria's entertainment industry.
Which politicians are from Ondo State?
Notable politicians from Ondo State include: Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Mimiko, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Reuben Fasoranti.
Which business people are from Ondo State?
Ondo State has produced many prominent Nigerian business leaders.
Which athletes are from Ondo State?
Notable athletes from Ondo State include: Olumide Oyedeji.
How many notable people has Ondo State produced?
Ondo State has produced at least 12 widely recognised notable people documented on this page. They span 4 categories including politics & government, other, sports, academia & education, and more.