A sitting in has barred , governor of , from seeking another term in office, citing constitutional limits on tenure.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice ruled that allowing the governor to contest again would violate provisions of the , which restricts elected executives to a maximum of eight years in office.
Court Cites Constitutional Tenure Limits
The court held that if Aiyedatiwa contests and wins another four-year term, it would exceed the constitutional limit.
Justice Adegoke referenced the , where the Supreme Court established that a president or governor cannot remain in office beyond eight years.
“If the third defendant is allowed to contest and serve another four years, that will be against the position of the law,” the judge ruled.
Background to the Legal Dispute
assumed office as governor on December 27, 2023, following the death of former Ondo governor , whose tenure he completed.
He was later sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election on the platform of the (APC).
Suit Filed by APC Member
The case was initiated by , a member of the APC in Ondo State, who asked the court to interpret constitutional provisions regarding the governor’s eligibility to seek re-election.
Other defendants in the suit included the (INEC), the , the APC, and the deputy governor .
The court noted that some defendants failed to participate in the proceedings, and their filings were considered abandoned.
Court Upholds Plaintiff’s Claims
Justice Adegoke ruled that the case presented a valid constitutional issue requiring judicial interpretation.
The court subsequently granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, effectively restraining Aiyedatiwa from contesting another governorship election.
