In a decisive legal ruling, the Federal High Court has dismissed the case filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, challenging the qualifications of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Olayide Adelami.
The presiding judge, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, delivered the judgment on Monday, declaring that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to file the suit.
She further ruled that the case was statute-barred, noting it was filed outside the 14-day window required by the Electoral Act. The suit’s procedural flaw being initiated through an originating summons instead of a writ of summons further invalidated it.
Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of justice.
“This judgment is a welcome development and a testament to the integrity of our judicial system,” he said. “It puts to rest a needless distraction, allowing us to focus on our mandate to deliver good governance to the people of Ondo State.”
Ajayi’s case revolved around alleged discrepancies in the names of the deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, claiming they were conflicting and irreconcilable.
However, Adelami’s legal team, led by Dr. Remi Olatubora, SAN, effectively countered the claims by presenting evidence, including certificates from WAEC and Ambrose Alli University, to clarify the arrangement of names rather than any substantive conflict.
The ruling was supported by prominent counsel for the defendants, including Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing Governor Aiyedatiwa, and Charles Edosan, SAN, representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a statement, commended the judiciary for resolving the matter swiftly.
“This judgment not only underscores the resilience of our democracy but also reinforces the trust of the people in the electoral process and the rule of law,” he stated.
With this verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa and his administration remain focused on advancing the development agenda for Ondo State, free of legal distractions.
