..*Ajulo congratulates Aiyedatiwa, Urges Agboola Ajayi, others to embrace court verdict
The Court of Appeal Thursday upheld the election of the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the winner of the November 16, 2024, governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the election.
The three-member panel of the Appeal court, sitting in Akure, Ondo State led by Justice Yargata Nimpar unanimously ruled in Aiyedatiwa’s favour.
It affirmed the decision of the lower Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which earlier validated the governor’s victory in the November 16, 2024 election.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in the election, Agboola Ajayi, to affirm Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election.
The Justice Nimpar led panel of the appellate court dismissed Mr Agboola’s appeal, describing it as devoid of merit.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in the election, Agboola Ajayi, to affirm Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election.
The Justice Nimpar led panel of the appellate court dismissed Mr Agboola’s appeal, describing it as devoid of merit.
Meanwhike, Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, called on Alfred Agboola Ajayi and the other appellants to accept the judgment in good faith and join hands in building a stronger and more united Ondo State.
Reacting shortly after the appellate court delivered its ruling in the appeal challenging Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as the validly elected Governor, Dr. Ajulo described the verdict as a clear reaffirmation of the will of the people and a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
While congratulating Governor Aiyedatiwa on his victory at the Court of Appeal, Ajulo stated: “In life, we often find ourselves entangled in threads of defeat and victory, each weaving its own unique story. Governor Aiyedatiwa has, time and again, weathered the storm of legal contestation and emerged, not merely as a victor but as a true symbol of the collective will of the people of Ondo State.
He urged Ajayi and the other appellants to reflect deeply on the broader implications of pursuing further litigation, noting that such actions could only serve to distract from the urgent task of governance and development.
“The election was held under the principles of fairness and integrity, pillars upon which our democracy rests. As difficult as it may be, it is crucial to recognise that continued court battles may only stall the progress of our beloved state.” He added.
Emphasising the need for unity and statesmanship, the Attorney General said true leadership is not only defined by moments of victory, but also by how individuals handle setbacks in the interest of the collective. He said, “The true measure of a leader, and indeed, a brother, is found in the ability to rise above personal disappointment and embrace the collective good. Ondo State needs unity, not division; it thrives on collaboration, not contention.”
Dr. Ajulo, therefore, called on Ajayi and all the other appellants to extend a hand of congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa, describing it as a noble act that would honour both the democratic process and the spirit of Ondo State.
“In doing so, they would not only dignify the court’s verdict but also honour the indomitable spirit of Ondo State, a spirit that flourishes best when we all come together to move the state forward,” he said.
Dr. Ajulo also commended the judiciary for upholding justice and maintaining its role as the bedrock of democracy. He praised the legal teams on both sides for their professionalism, highlighting legal luminaries such as Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN; Charles Edosomwan, SAN; Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN; and Remi Olatubora, SAN, for their exemplary advocacy in defending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mandate, while also acknowledging the appellants’ lawyers for their commitment to due process.
He concluded by appealing to all stakeholders, regardless of party affiliation, to now shift focus to governance, saying that every patriotic citizen has a role to play in advancing the development and prosperity of Ondo State.
