“WITHOUT PREJUDICE”

The desperate attempt by Akin Olowe and some confused political propagandists to twist the Federal High Court ruling on former President Goodluck Jonathan into an attack on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa only exposes their shallow understanding of constitutional law and democratic principles.

First, nobody can arrogate to himself the powers of the court or rewrite the Constitution because of political bitterness. Governor Aiyedatiwa has every constitutional right to seek reelection, and no amount of noise, blackmail, or emotional propaganda can change that fact.

The Jonathan judgment simply affirmed that a tenure cannot be counted retrospectively under a constitutional amendment that did not exist at the time of the oath-taking. It has absolutely nothing to do with the false and recycled third-term narrative being pushed by desperate opponents of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

One year is not a complete constitutional tenure. Nigerians are not fools, and Ondo people cannot be deceived by political merchants who deliberately manipulate legal interpretations just to score cheap political points.

CLEAR CONSTITUTIONAL BACKING

According to the Director General of Opomulero Group, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly provides for a maximum of two full terms for a governor. However, constitutional interpretation and judicial precedents recognize that where a deputy governor assumes office mid-term due to unforeseen circumstances, such tenure may not amount to a complete constitutional term.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa assumed office following the demise of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023, and the period being completed is less than two years. Therefore, the attempt to falsely label his legitimate constitutional right as a “third term agenda” is dishonest, misleading, and politically desperate.

JUDICIAL PRECEDENT

The DG further noted that the Supreme Court position, as reflected in constitutional interpretations surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s case, clearly establishes that a tenure of less than two years does not amount to a full constitutional term.

Therefore, Governor Aiyedatiwa remains fully eligible to contest and seek a fresh mandate from the people of Ondo State.

It is laughable that some individuals who cannot even distinguish between constitutional succession and a fresh electoral mandate now parade themselves as defenders of democracy. Their hypocrisy is loud, and their desperation is obvious.

PERFORMANCE THAT JUSTIFIES CONTINUITY

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori emphasized that beyond legality, Governor Aiyedatiwa has earned the confidence and trust of the people through visible performance and responsible leadership, including:

• Sustained infrastructure development across Ondo State
• Improved welfare packages for workers and pensioners
• Strategic youth empowerment and job creation initiatives
• Strengthened security architecture and inclusive governance

He stressed that Ondo State is witnessing stability, steady growth, and purposeful governance under the current administration, and such progress must not be disrupted by desperate political actors spreading confusion and distorted legal interpretations.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa emerged through constitutional processes and the will of the people. No court has stopped him, and no political panic attack from failed opposition elements will stop the people of Ondo State from supporting a leader who has demonstrated stability, maturity, and responsible governance.

Those attacking the governor should focus on selling their candidates when the time comes instead of spreading confusion and misleading interpretations of court judgments they barely understand.

The era of political manipulation through half-baked legal arguments is over.

SIGNED:

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori
Director General, Opomulero Group