Court Bars Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa from Contesting 2028 Governorship Election

A A Federal High Court sitting in Akure has ruled that Lucky Aiyedatiwa is not eligible to contest the 2028 Ondo State governorship election, stating that doing so would exceed the constitutional limit for tenure in office.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke held that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 does not permit an elected president, vice president, governor, or deputy governor to serve for more than eight years cumulatively in office.

According to the court, Aiyedatiwa’s tenure calculation began when he assumed office on December 27, 2023, following the death of former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, whose remaining tenure he completed.

The governor later contested and won the November 16, 2024 governorship election and was sworn in on February 24, 2025 to begin his own elected term.

Justice Adegoke ruled that seeking another term after the completion of the current tenure would violate the constitutional limit.

“The 1999 Constitution does not permit an elected president, vice president, governor or deputy governor to remain in office for more than eight years cumulatively,” the court held.

The ruling has sparked legal and political debate over the calculation of tenure for leaders who assume office mid-term following the death or resignation of an incumbent.

However, the decision is expected to be challenged at the appellate court as the legal process continues.