The Supreme Court has dismissed the legal challenge filed by Hon. Agboola Alfred Ajayi, the former Ondo State Deputy Governor and Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024, election.
Ajayi had sought to nullify the election of Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami over alleged discrepancies in his name change, while also challenging the legitimacy of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a judgment on Tuesday, a five-member panel, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, was unanimous in holding that the appeal was without merit and that the appellants lacked the locus standi to query Adelami’s nomination.
The court awarded a cost of N8million against the PDP and Ajayi, at N2m each for the four respondents – Adelami, Aitedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajayi claimed that Adelami, who previously used “Jackson” as his middle name in secondary school, had changed it to “Owolabi” without proper documentation.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that properly documented name changes do not constitute electoral fraud or grounds for disqualification, thereby rejecting Ajayi’s argument.
Reacting to the judgment, Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, described it as “a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the good people of Ondo State.”
He stressed that electoral disputes should be based on concrete evidence rather than technicalities that do not undermine the credibility of an election.
Ajulo likened Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory to a testament of perseverance and divine vindication, stating, “Just as truth always prevails over falsehood, justice has now been served.”
He praised the governor for maintaining a strong focus on governance despite distractions and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to Ondo State’s continued development.
He said, “This is also a vindication and affirmation of the just ruling of the Federal High Court, Akure, Coram Hon Justice Oluwatoyin Adegoke, the verdict of the Court of Appeal, Akure, presided over by Hon. Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, Hon. Justice Hadiza Shagari and Justice Fadawu Umaru, these noble Justices demonstrated professionalism and integrity in their judgments and it is now affirmed by the Supreme Court.
“I salute the esteemed Justices and commend the brilliant legal minds who stood firmly in defense of truth and justice.
“In particular, I acknowledge Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Charles Edosomwan, SAN, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, and Remi Olatubora, SAN, for their exceptional advocacy, as well as the legal representatives of the appellants.
“As I have stated previously, the courtroom is a battleground for legal reasoning, and every advocate who argues a case contributes to strengthening our democracy.
Justice is best served when all sides are heard, and I deeply respect their dedication to upholding the sanctity of the legal process,” Ajulo added.
With this ruling, the Supreme Court has effectively ended the legal battle, reaffirming Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The decision cements the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State, bringing an end to the prolonged political dispute.
