By Muhammad Mamman
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo State, has dismissed a Federal High Court ruling that bars him from seeking another term in office, describing the judgment as “premature and unnecessary”.
On Thursday, a Federal High Court sitting in Akure ruled that Aiyedatiwa would not be eligible to contest the governorship election scheduled for 2028.
Reacting to the decision, the governor said the ruling was an avoidable distraction, stressing that he has never publicly indicated any intention to run for another term when the current political cycle ends.
According to him, the court action was based on speculation about a political ambition he has not declared.
The development has stirred debate within political circles in Ondo State, with observers noting that the judgment comes years ahead of the next governorship race.
Aiyedatiwa’s camp maintains that governance remains the administration’s focus, insisting the ruling does not affect the governor’s current mandate.
Legal and political analysts say the decision could face further judicial scrutiny if challenged in higher courts, potentially prolonging the debate over the governor’s future eligibility.
