A Federal High Court sitting in Akure has ruled that Lucky Aiyedatiwa is not eligible to seek another term as governor of Ondo State.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, the presiding judge, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, held that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 limits elected executive office holders to a maximum of eight years in office.
Justice Adegoke ruled that allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest for another term would violate the constitutional provision governing tenure limits for elected officials, including the President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor.
The suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility was filed by Akin Egbuwalo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Egbuwalo joined Aiyedatiwa, his deputy Olayide Adelami, and the APC as defendants in the suit.
Aiyedatiwa first assumed office on December 27, 2024, following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu. He later contested the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state and was sworn in again on February 24, 2025 after winning the poll.
In the election, he defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi.
The court held that the Constitution does not permit an elected executive office holder to remain in office beyond eight years under any circumstance.
