A Federal High Court in Akure has ruled that Lucky Aiyedatiwa is constitutionally barred from contesting for another term as governor of Ondo State.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke cited the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which limits elected Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, and Deputy Governors to a maximum of eight years in office.
“The Constitution does not permit an elected President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor to remain in office for more than eight years,” Justice Adegoke said.
The ruling followed a lawsuit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to run for another term.
The suit was filed by Dr. Akin Egbuwalo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who named Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Olayide Adelami, and the APC as defendants.
Aiyedatiwa first assumed office on December 27, 2024, following the death of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
He later contested the November 16, 2024 governorship election under the APC and was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, defeating the Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The court held that permitting Aiyedatiwa to contest for another term would breach the constitutional tenure limit, effectively ending any legal pathway for his reelection.
Details of the full judgment are expected to be released in the coming days.
