Appeal Court Halts Verdict On Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s Eligibility To Re-Contest In 2028

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court filed against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over his eligibility to contest for a second term in 2028. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the appellate court also stayed proceedings in the suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC), Chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, at the Federal High Court seeking the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the Constitution as regards the qualifications of Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term in office.

Recall that Justice Adegoke had fixed January 28 to decide whether Aiyedatiwa is qualified to re-contest, having been sworn in twice as governor of the state.

However, the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the trial court pending the determination of the appeal before the appellate court.

A statement read, “The implication of the ruling is to the effect that the judgment of Honourable Justice Adegoke, scheduled for tomorrow 28th, is suspended until further notice. In other words, he must pause the proceedings and respect the authority of the Court of Appeal.

Therefore, everything is now on hold until further notice. The Court predicated on the fact that there is an application still pending and an appeal pending before this court.

In the hierarchy of courts, this court is the higher court of authority, and therefore, you know, there is a respectful higher authority in judicial structure. High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court.

The court predicated its ruling on the fact that you must respect due process, the rule of law, and of course, the judicial hierarchy. Whereby, the Court of Appeal is not fait accomplice In other words, the appeal decision is not rendered academic or useless or ineffective by reason of the judgment.”

WOW.