Court Rules Aiyedatiwa Ineligible for 2028 Election

On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Akure ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot contest the 2028 Ondo governorship election, citing a violation of constitutional limits on tenure. Justice Adegoke stated that Aiyedatiwa's time in office must be calculated to determine his eligibility, referencing the 1999 Constitution, which clearly stipulates that a governor cannot serve more than eight years.

The court relied on the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Marwa v. Nyako, which clarified tenure limits for elected executives.

Aiyedatiwa 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 governorship election on November 16, 2024. The court ruled that Aiyedatiwa's two oaths of office count towards the constitutional limit.

The plaintiff, Dr. Akin Egbuwalo, a member of the Progress Congress, sought the court's interpretation of sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution regarding tenure.

The court ultimately upheld the plaintiff's arguments, rendering Aiyedatiwa ineligible for the upcoming election.