After months of anticipation, the Federal High Court in Akure, Ondo State, has delivered a landmark ruling, barring Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from contesting for another term in 2028.

The decision follows a prior judgment by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the trial court’s discretion in allowing Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the plaintiff, to amend his originating summons in the case. The three-member panel delivered a unanimous verdict.

For context, Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as deputy governor alongside the late Rotimi Akeredolu on February 24, 2021, during Akeredolu’s second term. Following Akeredolu’s passing on December 27, 2023, Aiyedatiwa assumed office to complete the remainder of the term.

Despite attempts to argue otherwise, the 1999 Constitution is explicit: a deputy sworn in to complete a predecessor’s term cannot be elected for more than a single term. Section 182(3) of the Constitution clearly states:

“A person who was sworn in as governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as governor shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

Aiyedatiwa had previously claimed constitutional ambiguity regarding tenure extension and suggested the Supreme Court might need to interpret the provision. He also expressed frustration at being sued over a constitutional matter, citing immunity protections.

In a media interview shortly after the judgment, Aiyedatiwa said the public had been misled and insisted he never indicated an intention to run again. Yet his statements appeared to contradict the clarity of the Constitution, and observers note that the legal position leaves no room for loopholes.

The court ruling is seen as a potential turning point for governance in Ondo State, where residents have expressed frustration over worsening security, rising kidnappings, and killings. Many communities have been abandoned due to fear for personal safety, and farmers face increasing difficulties maintaining their livelihoods.

Despite the presence of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, security challenges in Ondo have escalated, making residents’ daily lives increasingly precarious. Economic hardships persist, with subsistence farmers and traders—who make up the bulk of the population—living in deep poverty, largely untouched by state or federal reforms.

With the court’s decision, citizens hope the governor will refocus on fulfilling his mandate and addressing pressing state issues, including security, social welfare, and infrastructure. The judgment is being seen as a victory for the people, offering a chance for more accountable governance.

Ondo State, known for its wealth of talent and potential, now looks toward a future of renewed leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its residents rather than personal political ambitions.