BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa loses battle for a fresh term

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Federal High Court in Akure has ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot run for another term in office.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke held that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not allow a president, vice president, governor or deputy to serve more than eight years in office.

Aiyedatiwa assumed 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 Hon. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

The case was brought before the court by Dr Akin Egbuwalo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who challenged the eligibility of the governor and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, to contest another term.

Justice Adegoke emphasised that the constitutional limit on tenure must be respected to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles.

The ruling has thrown the political landscape in Ondo State into uncertainty, with party leaders and stakeholders now evaluating the next steps ahead of the 2026 polls.