The Supreme Court on Tuesday, dismissed an appealed filed by former Ondo State Deputy Governor and PDP governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election, Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi.
Ajayi, and the Peoples Democratic Party had lodged an appeal at the Apex court, challenging the emergence of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor of Ondo state, accusing his running mate of forgery.
By the appeal, Ajayi had prayed for an order nullifying the election of Ondo state Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami over allegations of discrepancies in his name change.
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More so, the appellants challenged the legitimacy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the case.
Ajayi’s argument centered on the claim that Adelami, who previously had “Jackson” as his middle name while in secondary school, had changed it to “Owolabi” without proper documentation.
But in a lead judgment by Justice Garba Lawal, the Supreme Court ruled against the appellants on the issue of locus standi, stating that they lacked the legal standing to pursue the case, rendering the appeal unsustainable.
In addition, the court affirmed that the case was statute-barred, and therefore, upheld the decisions of the lower courts.
The Supreme Court panel noted that the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when the nomination forms were submitted to INEC, while the appellants filed their suit at the Federal High Court on June 7, 2024, well beyond the 14-day limit prescribed by law.
The Supreme Court found no legal basis to disqualify the deputy governor on these grounds, emphasizing that name changes, when properly documented, do not constitute electoral fraud or disqualification.
Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, with the court ordering Agboola Ajayi to pay ₦2 million in costs to each of the four respondents.
Reacting to the development, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, (SAN), described the judgment as “a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the good people of Ondo State”.
He emphasised that electoral disputes should be grounded in concrete evidence rather than technicalities that do not affect the credibility of an election.
Dr. Ajulo likened Governor Aiyedatiwa’s triumph to a testament of perseverance and divine vindication, stating that “just as truth always prevails over falsehood, justice has now been served.”
Ajulo commended the Governor for his unwavering focus on governance despite distractions and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the continued development of Ondo State.
“This is also a vindication and affirmation of the just ruling of the Federal High Court, Akure, Coram Hon Justice Oluwatoyin Adegoke, the verdict of the Court of Appeal, Akure, presided over by Hon. Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, Hon. Justice Hadiza Shagari and Justice Fadawu Umaru, these noble Justices demonstrated professionalism and integrity in their judgments and it is now affirmed by the Supreme Court.
“I salute the esteemed Justices and commend the brilliant legal minds who stood firmly in defense of truth and justice. In particular, I acknowledge Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Charles Edosomwan, SAN, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, and Remi Olatubora, SAN, for their exceptional advocacy, as well as the legal representatives of the appellants.
“As I have stated previously, the courtroom is a battleground for legal reasoning, and every advocate who argues a case contributes to strengthening our democracy. Justice is best served when all sides are heard, and I deeply respect their dedication to upholding the sanctity of the legal process,” Dr. Ajulo concluded.
