A Federal High Court sitting in Akure has ruled that the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, cannot seek another term in office after completing his current tenure. The decision followed a legal dispute over whether the governor is constitutionally eligible to contest the 2028 governorship election in the state.

The court held that allowing Aiyedatiwa to contest again would violate the constitutional limit on the number of years a person can serve as governor. According to the ruling, the Nigerian constitution restricts a governor to a maximum of eight years in office.

The case arose after a suit was filed asking the court to interpret relevant sections of the constitution regarding governors who assume office after the death or resignation of a sitting governor. Aiyedatiwa first assumed office in December 2024 after the death of former Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu. He later contested and won the governorship election in 2024 and was sworn in again in February 2025.

The plaintiffs argued that because Aiyedatiwa had already taken the oath of office twice, allowing him to contest again in 2028 would breach constitutional provisions designed to limit tenure. The court agreed with the argument and ruled that he cannot seek another term after completing the current one.

The ruling is expected to shape the political landscape in Ondo State ahead of the next governorship election as political actors begin to reposition themselves within major parties.