Akure, the Ondo  State capital, stood still, at the weekend, as people from the 18 local government areas of the state and beyond converged in the city to celebrate three years of the administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Mimiko took over the mantle of leadership of the state when he was sworn-in on Tuesday, 24 February, 2009 following the revalidation of his mandate through the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Benin, Edo State, affirming his earlier victory at the Justice Garba Nabaruma-led Election Petition Tribunal.

The Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, venue of the anniversary parade and star performance, was filled, on Friday, to the brim with dignitaries from within and beyond Nigeria’s shores, Labour Party faithful, traditional rulers, professional and youth bodies, non-governmental organisations as well as top musicians and artistes.

They included Mimiko’s wife, Olukemi; the deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi; his wife, Bejide; three former military administrators of the state, Rear Admiral Abiodun Olukoya (rtd), Col. Mike Torey (rtd), Col. Moses Fasanya (rtd); the deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Dare Emiola; and members of the state Executive Council.

Also at the ceremony were members of the state legislature; national chairman of Labour Party, Barr. Dan Iwuanyanwu; the state chairman, Barr. Olu Ogidan; the chairman of the State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; Amb. Roland Omowa; Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Femi Mimiko; and LP state leader, Mr Soji Bello.

Musicians who thrilled the crowd at the occasion were led by Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade.
While addressing the crowd, Mimiko declared that since he mounted the leadership saddle in 2009, his government had neither detoured from its set path nor wavered, adding that rather than slow down, he will continue to work for the people and remain focused on delivering on his campaign promises.