He was probably raised in Lugo, capital of the province of Galicia, where his father, Ramiro I, had been named governor.

[citation needed] Ordoño was named governor of Galicia when his father went to Bardulia to marry his second wife, Paterna.

While returning to Oviedo after defeating the rebels, he received news of an impending Moorish assault on Bardulia.

According to the Chronicle of Alfonso III, Musa had placed his army at Monte Laturce, outside of Albelda, which he had recently fortified.

[1] Ordoño additionally led the repopulation of the cities of Tui, Astorga, León, and Amaya, which had been left deserted after being conquered by Alfonso II.