The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, challenging a November 24, 2025 decision of the Federal High Court in Akure which questioned his eligibility to contest the forthcoming governorship election.
Delivering a unanimous judgment, a three‑member panel held that the trial court properly exercised its discretion in granting the plaintiff, Akindele Egbuwalo, leave to amend his originating summons. Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, who read the lead judgment, ruled that Governor Aiyedatiwa failed to demonstrate that the decision occasioned any miscarriage of justice or denial of fair hearing.
The appellate court declared the appeal lacking in merit and imposed ₦2 million costs against the governor.
In a related ruling, the court also dismissed Aiyedatiwa’s application seeking to set aside its January 27, 2026 order which stayed further proceedings in the Akure suit. The panel clarified that the order was a lawful exercise of appellate jurisdiction aimed at preserving the res and safeguarding the integrity of its proceedings, noting that records had already been compiled and briefs filed at the time.
The court emphasized that setting aside its own valid order would amount to sitting on appeal over its decision, advising that the governor’s proper recourse lies with the Supreme Court. An additional ₦1 million in costs was awarded against him for the failed application.
... Court of Appeal Dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal, Upholds Federal High Court’s Ruling on Governorship Eligibility ... Naijaonpoint.