The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has delivered a significant ruling in favour of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, dismissing the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.
The appellants had challenged Deputy Governor Adelami’s eligibility to contest the election, citing legal precedents, including a case from Bayelsa State. However, the appellate court rejected their arguments, affirming the legitimacy of the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami mandate.
Reacting to the ruling, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Kayode Ajulo described the decision as a landmark moment in Ondo State’s political history. He emphasized that the judiciary had once again upheld the integrity of the electoral process, reinforcing the people’s mandate.
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“This ruling marks a watershed moment in our political history, reaffirming the electoral mandate granted to Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Dr. Olayide Adelami. Their administration remains committed to fulfilling its promises to the people,” Ajulo stated.
He further urged Agboola Ajayi and his supporters to accept the court’s decision and focus on the collective progress of the state.
“With this judgment, it is time to move forward. The will of the people is an inviolable covenant that must be honoured. Let us rally together for the development of Ondo State,” he added.
The ruling puts to rest yet another legal challenge against the Aiyedatiwa administration, further solidifying its position ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
