Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed gratitude to the judiciary following the verdict of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal which upheld his victory in the 2024 gubernatorial election.
The Tribunal, sitting in Akure, on Wednesday, dismissed all petitions challenging the legitimacy of the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami ticket, sealing the governor’s mandate with what he described as “the instrumentality of the law.”
“I watched as my victory at the polls in the 2024 gubernatorial election was affirmed by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Akure yesterday,” Aiyedatiwa stated in a message to the people of Ondo State.
Describing the judgment as “a beautiful time,” the governor said the outcome reinforces faith in the country’s judicial system.
“The court is an integral part of our cherished democracy. The court is truly the hope of the common man,” he noted.
He added that the tribunal’s ruling did not just uphold his electoral success, but also extinguished every legal challenge mounted against him.
“Through the instrumentality of the law, the unprecedented electoral victory that was freely and joyfully given to the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami ticket was cemented by the relevant laws of our land. The legitimacy of our leadership is huge as we won and all petitions against us fell flat,” the governor declared.
Governor Aiyedatiwa showered praises on his legal team, describing their performance as a display of rare legal brilliance. He mentioned top senior advocates such as Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, CFR; Chief Charles Edosomwan, SAN; Chief Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Chief Akeem Afolabi, SAN; Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, among others.
“I want to thank my vibrant legal team, comprising eminent and tested legal luminaries…who displayed rare legal acumen, knowledge, and intelligence in their robust defence of all the petitions and indeed in the court cases.”
He also commended the panel of judges for their impartiality and attention to detail.
“They have by their sound judgments enriched our laws and our democracy is better for it. Their invaluable contributions have brought light to lingering political antics,” he said.
Calling for reconciliation, Aiyedatiwa urged those who challenged his victory to work with him in building a prosperous Ondo State.
“Now that the dust has settled, I appeal to my brothers who had one reason or the other to be in court to unite with me… Teaming up with me to realize the numerous achievements inherent in OUR EASE Agenda will be a patriotic thing and one that’s in the interest of the state.”
He specially acknowledged the Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, and used the opportunity to appreciate members of his cabinet for their courage and support.
Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa appreciated his Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), political office holders, market women, youths, students, and the general public for their unwavering support during the legal battle.
“The best recompense for the love you have shown us is to justify your trust in the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami administration through unrivaled development. This, we will pursue with all the seriousness it deserves,” he assured.
