Akure, Ondo State – The Federal High Court sitting in Akure has ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot seek another term as governor of Ondo State, citing constitutional limits on tenure.
Delivering judgment, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke held that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not allow a President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor to remain in office for more than eight years, Okay News reports.
The court relied on the precedent set in the Marwa v. Nyako decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which established that no governor can legally serve beyond the eight-year constitutional limit.
According to the judgment, allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest and win another four-year term would breach the constitutional provision. The suit was filed by Akin Egbuwalo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, who asked the court to interpret the relevant constitutional provisions regarding the governor’s eligibility.
The court also dismissed objections raised by some defendants, ruling that the case presented a valid legal issue requiring constitutional interpretation.
Aiyedatiwa first assumed office on December 27, 2024, following the death of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, whose tenure he completed. He was later sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 2024 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
