The Federal High Court sitting in Akure,the Ondo State capital, has derailed the ambition of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from running for another term in office.
Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, stated that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not allow any President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor to serve more than eight years in office.
Aiyedatiwa initially took office on December 27, 2024, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
He was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after defeating PDP candidate Hon Agboola Ajayi in the November 16, 2024 election.
The case was filed by Dr. Akin Egbuwalo of the All Progressives Congress, who challenged the eligibility of both the governor and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, along with the APC.
The court stressed that constitutional limits on tenure must be upheld to protect democratic principles and maintain legal integrity.
The ruling is expected to reshape the political dynamics in Ondo State ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections. The governor and the APC have yet to comment on the judgment.
