Federal High Court stops Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from contesting 2028, citing constitutional eight-year tenure limit
The Federal High Court in Akure has ruled that Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is constitutionally barred from contesting the 2028 governorship election.
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Justice Adegoke delivered the verdict on Thursday, citing the constitutional eight-year limit for executive tenure.
The court held that a re-election in 2028 would violate Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, referencing the Supreme Court decision in Marwa v. Nyako.
Aiyedatiwa, a member of the All Progressives Congress, first assumed office on December 27, 2023, following the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 election.
Akin Egbuwalo, also an APC member, through his lawyer Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), sought judicial clarification on the governor’s tenure, prompting the Federal High Court’s decisive interpretation.
Reacting to the ruling in an interview with Channels TV, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the outcome as unexpected.
He said he had been focused on governance rather than re-election, emphasising that he would only seek another term if the people desired it and the constitution permitted.
Public reaction has been swift, with citizens expressing mixed views online.
Safety Cabal criticised Aiyedatiwa’s perceived political ambitions, stating, “The Governor is more interested in future opportunities to contest; he has not justified the essence of his being elected.” Another user, Taiwo, highlighted the absence of notable capital projects, adding, “Baba won do another term by fire by force, the man no get anything to offer the state.”
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The ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in enforcing constitutional limits on executive power, setting a clear precedent for future tenure interpretations in Nigeria.
