The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State Capital, has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa contested under the APC, was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after securing 366,781 votes and winning across all 18 local government areas.
He defeated his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The appellate court’s decision follows earlier legal victories for Aiyedatiwa.
On June 4, 2025, the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed multiple petitions challenging his election, including one filed by Ajayi, who alleged widespread irregularities.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogubu, also struck out similar petitions from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and African Alliance (AA), affirming Aiyedatiwa’s mandate.
Before then, on March 11, 2025, the Supreme Court had dismissed a separate appeal filed by Ajayi challenging Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.
The apex court ruled that the case was filed out of time and that Ajayi, not being a member of the APC, lacked the legal standing to contest the internal affairs of the party, including the qualifications of Aiyedatiwa’s running mate.
Meanwhile, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo has appealed to the losers to prioritize ONDO progress over politics by accepting the judgement in good faith
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his victory at the Court of Appeal, while calling on Hon. Alfred Agboola Ajayi and the other appellants to accept the judgment in good faith and join hands in building a stronger and more united Ondo State.
Reacting shortly after the appellate court delivered its ruling in the appeal challenging Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as the validly elected Governor, Dr. Ajulo described the verdict as a clear reaffirmation of the will of the people and a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“In life, we often find ourselves entangled in threads of defeat and victory, each weaving its own unique story. Governor Aiyedatiwa has, time and again, weathered the storm of legal contestation and emerged, not merely as a victor but as a true symbol of the collective will of the people of Ondo State. He said.
He urged Hon Ajayi and the other appellants to reflect deeply on the broader implications of pursuing further litigation, noting that such actions could only serve to distract from the urgent task of governance and development.
“The election was held under the principles of fairness and integrity, pillars upon which our democracy rests. As difficult as it may be, it is crucial to recognise that continued court battles may only stall the progress of our beloved state.” He added.
Emphasising the need for unity and statesmanship, the Attorney General said true leadership is not only defined by moments of victory, but also by how individuals handle setbacks in the interest of the collective. He said, “The true measure of a leader, and indeed, a brother, is found in the ability to rise above personal disappointment and embrace the collective good. Ondo State needs unity, not division; it thrives on collaboration, not contention.”
Dr. Ajulo, therefore, called on Hon. Agboola Ajayi and all the other appellants to extend a hand of congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa, describing it as a noble act that would honour both the democratic process and the spirit of Ondo State.
“In doing so, they would not only dignify the court’s verdict but also honour the indomitable spirit of Ondo State, a spirit that flourishes best when we all come together to move the state forward.” The HAG expressed.
Dr. Ajulo also commended the judiciary for upholding justice and maintaining its role as the bedrock of democracy. He praised the legal teams on both sides for their professionalism, highlighting legal luminaries such as Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN; Charles Edosomwan, SAN; Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN; and Remi Olatubora, SAN, for their exemplary advocacy in defending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mandate, while also acknowledging the appellants’ lawyers for their commitment to due process.
He concluded by appealing to all stakeholders, regardless of party affiliation, to now shift focus to governance, saying that every patriotic citizen has a role to play in advancing the development and prosperity of Ondo State.
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