Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Candidacy

Akure Federal High Court Rules Against Edema’s Suit

The Federal High Court in Akure has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the eligibility of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Olaiyide Adelami, to contest in the upcoming November 16, 2024, governorship election. The court, presided over by Justice Toyin Adegoke, ruled that the plaintiff, Olugbenga Edema, failed to comply with a previous directive, leading to the case’s dismissal.

The court also imposed a ₦100,000 fine on Edema for what it described as a lack of diligent prosecution. The lawsuit had been filed to challenge the nomination of Aiyedatiwa by the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the plaintiff seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the governor and his deputy from the race.

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Legal Battle Over Aiyedatiwa’s Candidacy

Edema, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), had initiated the case, citing Section 15 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. He argued that Aiyedatiwa’s nomination did not comply with constitutional provisions.

Initially, both Edema and the NNPP were listed as joint plaintiffs in the suit, while Aiyedatiwa, Adelami, INEC, and the APC were named as defendants. However, as the legal proceedings progressed, the NNPP withdrew from the case. In response, Justice Adegoke ordered Edema to amend his pleadings to reflect the changes before the next hearing.

During the Monday hearing, Edema’s counsel, Soladoye Ekundayo, informed the court that his client had filed an appeal against the earlier ruling that removed the NNPP from the suit. He requested an adjournment to allow time for necessary amendments to the case.

Court Sides with Defendants, Dismisses Case

However, the defendants’ legal team, which included prominent lawyers Charles Edosomwan, Banjo Aiyenakin, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, and Remi Olatubora, opposed the request for adjournment. They argued that Edema had failed to comply with the court’s directive and urged the judge to dismiss the suit for lack of diligence.

After reviewing the submissions, Justice Adegoke ruled in favor of the defendants and dismissed the case. The judge also penalized Edema with a ₦100,000 fine for failing to pursue the matter with due diligence.

The ruling clears the path for Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami, to continue their preparations for the November 16, 2024, election without legal hindrance. The verdict also serves as a reminder of the importance of procedural compliance in legal challenges related to elections.

While Edema’s legal team has indicated that an appeal is in progress, the decision of the Federal High Court in Akure has, for now, put an end to the case challenging Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.