The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, putting an end to months of legal battles that trailed the 2024 Ondo governorship polls.
The judgment, described by many as historic, has been hailed as a decisive step towards political stability and progress in the Sunshine State.
Reacting to the ruling, prominent grassroots mobiliser and political stakeholder, Otunba Valentine Olaleye, described the verdict as a “triumph of democracy and the rule of law.”
In a statement made available to journalists in Akure on Friday, Olaleye commended the judiciary for standing firm in defence of constitutional democracy, noting that the judgment has freed the governor from distractions and set the stage for accelerated development.
“It is now time for all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, to rally around Governor Aiyedatiwa and support his administration in delivering on the promises made to the people. The distractions are over,” he declared.
He praised the maturity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, who withdrew his appeal at the Supreme Court earlier in the process, describing it as a “gesture of statesmanship.”
Highlighting the governor’s achievements within just seven months in office, Olaleye listed:
82.6% reduction in domestic debt, the highest by any state within the period.
₦633 million WAEC fees paid for 23,000 students.
Employment of over 2,000 teachers across schools.
Rehabilitation of 60km of roads and flag-off of major dualisation projects.
Commissioning of 20km of roads across senatorial districts.
Acquisition of 10,000 hectares for farming and establishment of food hubs.
Olaleye noted that these strides were achieved despite the distractions of prolonged litigation, stressing that with the court cases now settled, the administration is poised to deliver even greater results.
He concluded with a strong call for unity:
“Now that the legal battle is over, the people expect more. I am confident our governor will not disappoint. I stand ready to support his administration in deepening good governance, fostering peace, and ensuring Ondo State continues on the path of progress. I call on all leaders, opinion shapers, and citizens to join hands with Governor Aiyedatiwa so that together, we can build the Ondo State of our collective dreams.”
