Supreme Court Judgment Strengthens Our Democracy, LCDA Chairman, Barr. Kayode Taiwo Congratulates Aiyedatiwa, Commends Akure Township Road Project
The Chairman of Akure East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Barr.) Kayode Taiwo Samson, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa following the recent favorable ruling of the Supreme Court.
In his statement, Barr. Samson commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his diligent and visionary leadership, particularly in the ongoing rehabilitation of Akure’s township roads. The roads, which are being upgraded with high-quality asphalt overlay, serve as a testament to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the state’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Speaking with The Democrat News Magazine in Akure on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Barr. Samson described the Supreme Court judgment as a powerful affirmation of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s steadfast devotion to the people of Ondo State. He emphasized that the ruling underscores the Governor’s continued dedication to his people and his resolve to lead the state toward greater prosperity.
Barr. Samson expressed his optimism that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration would remain free from legal distractions, allowing him to focus on the essential work of state-building and development. He further expressed confidence that this judgment would only strengthen the Governor’s determination to create a brighter future for the people of Ondo State.
In addition, Barr. Samson lauded the Governor for the successful implementation of his seven-point agenda, known as “OUR EASE,” which aims to improve infrastructure, enhance transportation networks, and create an environment that fosters both business growth and ease of daily activities for all residents in Ondo State.
Concluding his remarks, Barr. Samson reiterated his full support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, wishing him continued success throughout his tenure. He assured the people of Ondo State that their best days are ahead under the Governor’s leadership.
The Supreme Court ruled on the legal challenge filed by former Ondo State Deputy Governor and PDP gubernatorial candidate in the November 16, 2024 election, Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi. The court dismissed the appeal, affirming the legality of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami.
The Supreme Court ruled that the appellants, including Ajayi, lacked the legal standing to pursue the case, declaring the appeal unsustainable. Additionally, the court upheld the decisions of the lower courts, emphasizing that the cause of action—relating to the submission of nomination forms to INEC on May 20, 2024—was statute-barred. The appellants had filed their suit at the Federal High Court on June 7, 2024, well beyond the 14-day limit prescribed by law.
The court dismissed the appeal and ordered Agboola Ajayi to pay ₦2 million in costs to each of the four respondents. Ajayi had sought to nullify the election of Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami over alleged discrepancies in his name change, as well as challenge the legitimacy of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ajayi had argued that Adelami’s change of middle name from “Jackson” to “Owolabi” without proper documentation rendered him ineligible. However, the Supreme Court found no legal basis for disqualifying the deputy governor, emphasizing that name changes, when properly documented, do not constitute grounds for electoral fraud or disqualification.