A Federal High Court sitting in Akure has restrained Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo State, from seeking another term in office.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke held that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria does not permit an elected president, vice president, governor or deputy governor to remain in office for more than eight years.

Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor on December 27, 2024, following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, to complete the remainder of the tenure. He was later inaugurated again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.

The suit was filed by Kin Egbuwalo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, who sought a constitutional interpretation on the governor’s eligibility to contest for another term.

Other defendants in the case included the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the All Progressives Congress, and the state’s deputy governor, Olayide Adelami.

Reacting to the ruling, Aiyedatiwa described the decision as premature and a distraction, noting that discussions about future elections were unnecessary at this stage of his administration.