By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the Federal High Court’s dismissal of a case challenging his qualification for the recently concluded governorship election, describing it as a positive and timely development.

The case, filed by Mr Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, was thrown out on Monday by Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, who deemed it a baseless and statute-barred distraction.

Justice Adegoke dismissed the suit, which had questioned the qualifications of both Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the 16 November governorship election.

The judge ruled that Ajayi and the PDP lacked the locus standi to bring the suit, further noting that it was filed outside the 14-day window stipulated by the Electoral Act.

Additionally, the court held that the plaintiffs erred procedurally by filing through an originating summons instead of a writ of summons, thus stripping the court of jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Ajayi’s legal challenge had centred on allegations that Adelami was known by multiple, conflicting names, which the PDP argued disqualified him and, by extension, the Governor.

However, Adelami’s counsel, Dr Remi Olatubora, SAN, clarified that the discrepancies were a matter of name arrangement rather than identity conflict, providing evidence that the names reflected on his academic records were consistent and legitimate.

Olatubora’s position was bolstered by arguments from Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing Governor Aiyedatiwa, alongside Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, for the APC, and Charles Edosan, SAN, representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Governor Aiyedatiwa lauded the court for delivering justice, emphasising that the decision reaffirmed the rule of law and shielded the state from unnecessary distractions.

He commended the judiciary’s role in upholding democracy and ensuring the electoral process remained fair and transparent.

The Governor’s legal team also expressed satisfaction with the ruling, which they described as a decisive vindication of their clients’ qualifications and integrity.