The Supreme Court has put an end to the legal tussle over the Ondo State governorship election, dismissing an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who challenged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s legitimacy.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Garba Lawal ruled that the appeal lacked merit, branding it as frivolous and baseless. The apex court upheld the earlier decisions of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had previously thrown out the case.
Ajayi’s lawsuit, filed on June 7, 2024, sought to disqualify Aiyedatiwa on the grounds that his deputy, Owolabi Adelami, allegedly forged documents and used a false identity. However, the courts dismissed the claims, ruling that the case was statute-barred as it was filed beyond the 14-day constitutional window for electoral disputes.
On December 2, 2024, the Federal High Court ruled that Ajayi’s claims of forgery required stronger evidence and could not be determined through an originating summons. This decision was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal on January 18, 2025, which also imposed a N500,000 fine on Ajayi.
With this final verdict from the Supreme Court, Aiyedatiwa’s victory is now legally sealed, bringing an end to the prolonged courtroom battle.
