Ondo: Ajayi Drops Supreme Court Appeal Against Aiyedatiwa

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the Ondo State election on November 16, 2024, Agboola Ajayi, has withdrawn his Supreme Court appeal. This appeal contested the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ajayi, who served as Deputy Governor in the first term of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was the main challenger in a race that featured 16 other candidates.

In a letter to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court dated September 16, 2025, Ajayi confirmed that while an appeal had been filed on his behalf, he had resolved to discontinue the matter after consultations with family, associates, party members and his legal team.

Ajayi wrote, “After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do. Having served as former Deputy Governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria.”

He also extended an olive branch to the governor, adding, “In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the state and national development.”

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The PDP candidate’s withdrawal signals a political truce in the state, as he also pledged support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

This development follows the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Ajayi’s case against Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, over alleged discrepancies in their names.

The appellate court held that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to pursue the case, describing it as statute-barred, since the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when APC submitted its nomination forms. Still, the case was not filed until June 7, outside the 14-day constitutional window.

It upheld the tribunal’s ruling and awarded ₦2 million costs against Ajayi in favour of each of the four respondents.