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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary following the dismissal of a case challenging his qualification in the recently concluded governorship election.

The case, instituted by Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, was dismissed by the Federal High Court on Monday.

Describing the ruling as a ‘welcome development’, Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the court for addressing what he called a ‘needless distraction’ promptly.

Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke presided over the case, which also challenged the eligibility of the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, both candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16 election.

In her judgment, Justice Adegoke declared that the PDP candidate lacked the locus standi to file the suit.

She further ruled that the case was statute-barred and improperly filed, citing the Electoral Act, which mandates such cases be filed within 14 days using a Writ of Summons, not an originating summons.

Ajayi’s petition alleged discrepancies in Adelami’s identification documents, claiming irreconcilable differences in his names and urging the court to disqualify both APC candidates.

However, counsel for the defendants debunked the claims.

Remi Olatubora, representing Adelami, clarified that the variations in the deputy governor’s names were due to differences in the order or arrangement of names in his educational certificates, including his 1974 WAEC result and 1982 degree from Ambrose Alli University.

This position was supported by senior advocates representing other defendants, including Governor Aiyedatiwa, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the judiciary’s stance, emphasising that the decision reaffirms his mandate to lead Ondo State.

The judgment effectively clears the APC candidates of all allegations and strengthens their position following their victory in the gubernatorial election.