A lively debate has erupted on a popular Ondo State Facebook forum following a post by Lasisi Kazeem Ayodele, who declared former governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as the best leader the state has produced in the last 50 years.
“Dr Olusegun Mimiko remains my best governor in the past 50 years in Ondo State. This is just personal opinion, no pun intended,” Ayodele wrote.
The post immediately triggered hundreds of reactions, reopening long-standing arguments over governance, integrity, industrialisation and social welfare across different administrations in the state.
Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin served as the first civilian Governor of Ondo State between October 1, 1979, and December 31, 1983, a tenure that was cut short by a military coup, while Dr. Olusegun Mimiko governed the state between February 24, 2009, and February 24, 2017, becoming the first governor in the state’s history to complete two consecutive four-year terms.
“Ajasin Remains Unmatched”
Many contributors firmly rejected Ayodele’s view, insisting that Late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin remains Ondo State’s gold standard in leadership.
Tee Shadare argued that when resources available at the time are considered, no governor compares with Ajasin.
“If you consider the quantum of resources and revenue at their disposal vis-à-vis their outputs, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin remains the best. Talk about integrity, probity, accountability and industrialisation — no one comes close.”
Others listed Ajasin-era projects to support their stance.
Salami Banky accused Mimiko of blocking industrial opportunities.
“You mean Mimiko that deprived Ondo people of Dangote investment because of personal interest? Compare him with Ajasin that built ceramic in Ifon, glass in Okitipupa, palm oil mills, schools and industries across the state.”
Adeniyi Adeloye recalled social services under Ajasin’s administration.
“Free education at all levels, free textbooks, free medical services — I personally spent 10 days in hospital without paying a kobo. These were done without oil derivation. Comparing Ajasin with others is an insult to his memory.”
“Mimiko’s Footprints Still Visible”
Supporters of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko countered the criticism, pointing to what they described as lasting infrastructural and social impacts.
Muhammed Raymond defended Mimiko passionately.
“Mimiko is not the best by personal opinion alone; his indelible marks are still visible. Free school shuttles, zero marginalisation, school fee balances, roads, hospitals especially for pregnant women, markets, water projects and agricultural initiatives — someone should disagree with facts, not sentiments.”
Others described Mimiko as inclusive and reform-driven, particularly in urban renewal and healthcare.
Workers, Unpaid Salaries and Lost Opportunities
However, critics accused the Mimiko administration of failing workers and missing major economic opportunities.
Olusesan Odidi said:
“Mimiko will forever be remembered for unpaid or half salaries and the loss of the Dangote refinery to Lagos. In my opinion, he is only above Agagu.”
Oluwasegun Ayeotan alleged mass sackings of workers.
“He employed many people in his first term and sacked about 90% during his second tenure, refused to pay workers, and people suffered. How is he the best?”
Other Governors Enter the Debate
Some contributors broadened the discussion beyond Mimiko and Ajasin.
Adeyeri Olufemi maintained that Dr. Olusegun Agagu deserves more credit, while Taiwo Ologun praised Governor Adefarati, citing fiscal discipline and integrity.
“Adefarati did only four years but performed excellently. Workers and pensioners were paid despite limited allocation. He refused to trade Ondo bitumen for a second term,” Ologun stated.
Meanwhile, Gbanga Simon called for balance:
“AJASIN, ADEFARATI, AGAGU, MIMIKO — they all did their best. But the current ones are not doing well at all.”
Generational Divide
The debate also exposed a generational gap.
Adebiyi Angelmayor remarked:
“Gen Z putting Ajasin and Mimiko on the same level is funny. Even Mimiko himself would admit Ajasin was in a different class.”
A Debate Far From Over
As arguments rage on, one thing is clear: Ondo State’s political history continues to provoke deep emotions, shaped by personal experiences, regional impacts and generational memory.
The online exchange shows that the question of who truly was Ondo’s “best governor” remains unresolved — and fiercely contested.
