Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has emerged victorious at the Supreme Court, bringing to a close a long season of legal challenges that had trailed his political journey from Acting Governor to the duly elected Governor of Ondo State.
Since the passing of his predecessor, the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, in December 2023, Aiyedatiwa has faced waves of litigation. Some sought to question his legitimacy as Acting Governor, while others attempted to halt an impeachment process against him.
The onslaught intensified in the build-up to the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election, with suits challenging the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary and even the eligibility of his running mate, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
Despite these hurdles, Aiyedatiwa clinched a landslide victory, polling over 366,000 votes to defeat his closest challenger, former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, who secured 117,000 votes. Yet, the outcome was dragged before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Akure, as petitioners sought to overturn what observers widely described as a free, fair, and credible election.
A Formidable Legal Defense
Determined to defend his mandate, Governor Aiyedatiwa assembled an elite legal team led by Ondo State’s Attorney General, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, CON. The roster included some of Nigeria’s most distinguished advocates—Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN; Olusola Oke, SAN; Professor Abdukarim Kana; Hakeem Afolabi, SAN; Abdul-Kadir Olajide Ajana, SAN; Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Yinka Orokoto; Abiola Olawole; Adelanke Akinrata; and Dr. A.K. Adewusi, among others.
Remarkably, Aiyedatiwa did not lose a single case at any level—State High Court, Federal High Court, Tribunal, or Court of Appeal.
Supreme Court Delivers Final Judgment
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court—Justices John Inyang Okoro, Emmanuel Agim, Moore Adumein, Stephen Adah, and Mohammed Idris—unanimously dismissed the last three appeals against Aiyedatiwa.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, withdrew their appeal through a notice of discontinuance. Similarly, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) withdrew its case following the death of its candidate, Otunba Akingboye Benson Bamidele.
Before rising, the apex court cautioned counsel against filing frivolous cases that waste judicial time, stressing that the Supreme Court is a serious institution that must not be clogged with trivial litigation.
A Triumphant Governor
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was present in court, walked out flanked by APC Chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin and other party stalwarts, visibly relieved and grateful.
Speaking to reporters, the Governor dedicated the victory to the people of Ondo State, the judiciary, and his legal team. He promised to redouble efforts in delivering good governance and building a greater Ondo State.
The Supreme Court’s ruling thus marks not only the end of relentless litigation but also the ultimate triumph of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, sealing his mandate as the undisputed choice of the people.
