The Supreme Court on Wednesday finally put to rest the long-drawn legal tussle over the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, affirming the victory of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The ruling, which effectively ended months of litigation, has been widely described as a defining moment for the state’s political stability and future.
Reacting to the judgment, prominent political stakeholder and grassroots mobiliser, Otunba Valentine Olaleye, hailed the verdict as a triumph of democracy and the rule of law.
Describing the ruling as “a landmark judgment that reaffirms the supremacy of the people’s mandate and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” Olaleye noted that the decision has cleared the path for Governor Aiyedatiwa to fully focus on governance without further distractions.
In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Akure on Friday, Olaleye commended the judiciary for its courage in standing firm in defence of constitutional democracy.
He also urged political stakeholders across the divide to put aside partisan interests and work collectively in the interest of the state.
“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,” Olaleye declared.
He further applauded the sportsmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the election, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, for withdrawing his case from the Supreme Court earlier in the process, describing the move as “a gesture of maturity and statesmanship.”
“Elections might have divided us along party lines and political interests, but governance must unite us. Ondo State must move forward, and this is the moment to put collective interest above partisan considerations,” he added.
Turning attention to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s performance in office so far, Olaleye highlighted several achievements recorded within seven months of leadership, which he said clearly reflect the governor’s commitment to impactful governance. Among these, he listed:
An 82.6% reduction in domestic debt, the highest by any state in the country during the period.
Payment of ₦633 million WAEC fees for 23,000 secondary school students.
Employment of over 2,000 teachers across primary and secondary schools.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of 60km of roads across the state.
Flag-off of dualisation projects including Akure–Idanre, Akungba–Ikare, and Igbokoda–Okitipupa roads.
Commissioning of 20km of roads across the three senatorial districts.
Acquisition of 10,000 hectares of land for farming and the establishment of food hubs.
Olaleye remarked that these strides, made despite the distractions of ongoing litigations, demonstrate the governor’s focus on sustainable development and service delivery. With the legal hurdles now behind, he expressed optimism that Aiyedatiwa’s administration would deliver even more results in the months ahead.
He concluded with a strong call-to-action, pledging his personal commitment and urging other leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to rally behind the governor for the sake of unity and progress.
“Now that the legal battle is over, the people expect more. I am confident that our Governor will not disappoint them. As a stakeholder and mobiliser, 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.”
