Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, challenging a ruling of the Federal High Court in Akure that questioned his qualification to participate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Okay News reports that the Federal High Court had on November 24, 2025, delivered a ruling in a suit filed by Akindele Egbuwalo, which raised issues regarding Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to contest the election.
In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the Federal High Court properly exercised its discretion in allowing the plaintiff to amend his originating summons.
Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that Aiyedatiwa failed to demonstrate that the trial judge’s ruling caused injustice or violated his right to a fair hearing.
The court consequently dismissed the governor’s appeal for lacking merit and awarded costs of N2 million against him.
Earlier, the appellate court had also dismissed an application by Aiyedatiwa seeking to set aside an order issued on January 27, 2026, which stayed further proceedings in the suit before the Federal High Court in Akure.
According to the court, the January 27 order did not invalidate the trial court’s judgment but was a lawful exercise of the appellate court’s jurisdiction aimed at protecting the integrity of its proceedings.
The court further noted that at the time the order was issued, Aiyedatiwa’s appeal had already been properly entered, relevant records compiled, and legal briefs filed.
It held that the appellate court acted within its powers to safeguard the subject matter of the case and prevent any action that could undermine its proceedings.
