Supreme Court Victory – Dr. Owoka Hails Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Mandate
Supreme Court Victory – Dr. Owoka Hails Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Mandate
Dr. Owoka has extended his warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State, following the Supreme Court’s judgment on September 17, 2025, reaffirming his mandate.
Recall that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s path to office was not without challenges. Following the unfortunate passing of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, on December 27, 2023, Governor Aiyedatiwa faced numerous legal battles, many of which aimed to challenge his position or halt the planned impeachment proceedings against him. As the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election approached, the legal onslaught intensified, with fresh cases arising, particularly challenging the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election and questioning the eligibility of his deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
Despite these challenges, Governor Aiyedatiwa secured a resounding victory at the polls, polling over 366,000 votes to defeat his closest rival, former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, who garnered 117,000 votes. However, post-election petitions flooded the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election Tribunal, seeking to upturn the widely acknowledged free, fair, and credible election.
Determined to defend his mandate, Governor Aiyedatiwa, through the State Attorney General, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, CON, assembled a formidable legal team featuring some of Nigeria’s finest legal minds. The team successfully defended the Governor’s mandate, and the Supreme Court has now laid all controversies to rest.
On September 17, 2025, a panel of Justices comprising John Inyang Okoro, Emmanuel Agim, Moore Adumein, Stephen Adah, and Mohammed Idris unanimously dismissed the three pending appeals against Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory after the appellants voluntarily withdrew their cases. The Court also reprimanded some lawyers for bringing frivolous appeals, cautioning that the Supreme Court is a busy and serious institution that must not be burdened with trivial litigation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was present in court, dedicated his victory to the people of Ondo State and pledged to work even harder to build a greater state. Dr. Owoka’s congratulatory message echoes the sentiments of many Ondo State citizens, who are eager to see their Governor deliver on his promises and take the state to new heights.
The Supreme Court’s pronouncement marks the end of a long season of legal battles and the ultimate triumph of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. With this victory, Governor Aiyedatiwa can now focus on delivering on his campaign promises and building a brighter future for the people of Ondo State.
