The 9th Edition of the Ondo Auto Rally, held on April 4th, 2026 at Smokin Hills, Ilara Mokin was a showcase of motorsport, culture and tourism.
It started early with a road race and exhibitions around the Government House area in Alagbaka, Akure before turning into a full motorsport and entertainment festival, attracting enthusiasts, investors and industry players from across the country.
It brought together innovation, lifestyle and local sport which includes keke napep and okada racing, mountain biking, X-kart series and off-road cycling where riders and builders displayed their skills and creativity.
Side attractions like the Wuraola Golf Tournament, horse riding amongst others, added more excitement to make it a complete experience beyond the races.
Organized by WorknPlay Nigeria, led by Adeoye Ojuoko and supported by the Ondo State Government, prominent dignitaries including Chief Michael Ade Ojo and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Femi Akarakiri and other notables all lend elegance to the occasion.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who light outs the rally at Alagbaka, government house in Akure as he launches into a drift, riding a customized BMW, in his submission, praised the organizers for their consistency, saying the Ondo Auto Rally has become a strong platform for tourism, youth engagement and economic growth in the state.
He commended the vision behind the intiative and assured his government will continue to support strategies that promote creativity, business opportunities and global visibility.
Aiyedatiwa, added that ongoing road infrastructure development across Akure metropolis was strategically aligned to enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience for visitors attending the rally.
He similarly, acknowledged the consistent role of ONDIPA in ensuring the sustainability of the auto rally since its inception, emphasizing the Agency’s alignment with the administration’s broader economic development agenda.
On the competitive side, the rally showcase promising performances across key categories.
Sunday Philip emerged winner in the keke napep race, Sadiq Yekini dominated the okada category, Damilare Umar claimed victory in the mountain bike race and Larry Bakare secured top position in the X-kart category, while Joel Monday Berry & Tombrapa Gnkpa won the male and female version of the off road cycling, with each winners earning the ₦500,000 grand prize.
Solomon Temitope popularly known as Starboy claim the off road race top podium.
Despite the successes recorded, observations from stakeholders pointed to areas that require attention, with noticeable drop in the competitive intensity of this year’s gathering, citing the absence of several top drivers, individuals and elite teams who, for one reason or another, did not honor this year’s event, thereby slightly affecting the depth and edge that typically define the spectacle.
Enthusiasts, are confident that this gap will be duly addressed before the next edition, with improved execution and right adjustments, the 10th edition will be more competitive, attract more participants and grow into a stronger spectacle.
The event supported by the Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other partners, had on display, vibrant dancing competitions among secondary schools, adding youthful energy and excitement to the atmosphere.
Guests enjoyed a feast galore as upcoming artists delivered captivating performances that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
Highlights also included entertainment, bikes & car display at the Akure Government house, medals and award presentations, recognizing outstanding participants alongside the symbolic lighting of the fire done by Chief Michael Ade Ojo.
Altogether, it was a remarkable gathering where the deeply rooted cultural essence and serene beauty of Ilara Mokin and Ondo was fully displayed.