In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, challenging the election of Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The apex court described the appeal as “baseless, frivolous, and lacking in merit,” putting an end to the legal battle that has lingered since the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
Here’s a breakdown of the ruling and its implications.
The Supreme Court’s Verdict
Delivering the lead judgment on Tuesday, Justice Garba Lawal upheld the earlier decisions of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had dismissed Ajayi’s case. The Supreme Court ruled that the appeal lacked merit and affirmed Aiyedatiwa’s victory as the duly elected governor of Ondo State.
This ruling marks the final chapter in a protracted legal dispute that sought to nullify Aiyedatiwa’s election over allegations of forgery and impersonation against his deputy, Olayide Owolabi Adelami.
Background of the Case
Agboola Ajayi and the PDP had filed a suit on June 7, 2024, accusing Adelami of falsifying documents and using a false identity. They argued that these alleged irregularities disqualified Aiyedatiwa from contesting the election.
However, the defendants—Aiyedatiwa, Adelami, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—countered that Ajayi lacked the legal standing to bring the suit. They also argued that the case was filed outside the 14-day window allowed by law for such petitions.
Lower Courts’ Rulings
The Federal High Court, in its December 2, 2024, judgment, dismissed Ajayi’s case, stating that the allegations of forgery required more substantial evidence than what was presented. The court also ruled that the petition was “statute-barred” because it was filed after the constitutional deadline.
The Court of Appeal, on January 18, 2025, unanimously upheld the lower court’s decision and imposed a N500,000 fine on Ajayi for filing a frivolous appeal.
Supreme Court’s Final Decision
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal reinforces the legitimacy of Aiyedatiwa’s election and underscores the importance of adhering to legal timelines and procedures in election petitions.
Justice Lawal emphasized that the case lacked merit and that the lower courts had rightly dismissed it. This ruling not only solidifies Aiyedatiwa’s position as governor but also serves as a warning against frivolous legal challenges that waste judicial resources.
What This Means for Ondo State
With the legal battle now over, Governor Aiyedatiwa can focus on delivering his promises to the people of Ondo State. The ruling also strengthens the APC’s position in the state, giving the party a clear mandate to govern without distractions.
For the PDP and Agboola Ajayi, this marks the end of a contentious chapter. The party will need to regroup and strategize for future elections, while Ajayi may face questions about the timing and basis of his legal challenge.
