Ondo 2024: Lawyer writes governor to withdraw from race, gives reasons

Renowned legal practitioner, Dele Kuboye, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to jettison his governorship ambition.

Kuboye, in an open letter to Aiyedatiwa, said this is in the best interest of Ondo South senatorial district.

Recall that Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor on 27 December 2023 following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu.

With a fresh election scheduled for November 16, there are indications that Aiyedatiwa would run for the position.

But Kuboye argued that the law does not permit the incumbent to be sworn-in as governor thrice if his intention is to run for two terms.

According to him, Ondo South earnestly yearns for a two-term of eight years for whoever will represent the district as governor from 24th February, 2025.

Kuboye, however, urged the “governor to put the interest of our mutual district before self. ”

“I went to church today but I could not concentrate! I have been told occasionally by few individuals that you would be running for governor in the forthcoming guber race in Ondo State,” he wrote.

“Sir, I have looked at the enabling laws and case laws in Nigeria, particularly the ones handed down by our Supreme Court, and I have come to the unavoidable conclusion that the law will not permit you to be sworn-in as governor three times, consecutively or otherwise!

“Please note that Ondo South Senatorial District, our mutual district, earnestly yearns for a two-term of 8 years for whoever will represent the district as governor from 24th February, 2025!

“Sir, you can only spend four years in office plus the remainder of your former boss’s term which expires on 24th February, 2025! That is the law as it is today sir!

“In the event of the foregoing, your Excellency, please put the interest of our mutual district before self, yield your interest to run the race and consider your role in furtherance of good legacies in the remaining months that you have got to spend as the governor of Ondo State! I am sincerely yours in humility and honesty”.