An investigation by Starnews NG has revealed that Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State, did not personally initiate any court action seeking clarification on his eligibility to contest the 2028 Ondo State governorship election.
Recently, narratives circulating in the media suggested that the governor was already focused on his 2028 re-election ambitions and had approached the Federal High Court to seek interpretation of Section 137(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria regarding his eligibility for a second term.
Despite refuting this claim in a series of media interviews and press releases, where he described the court case as an unnecessary distraction, Dr. Aiyedatiwa asserted that he never filed any case nor expressed interest in contesting another governorship election at this time, deeming it inconceivably premature. However, the narratives circulating on social media misrepresented the facts, with many residents questioning why a sitting governor, who still has three years left in office, would be so preoccupied with the 2028 election.
This narrative has generated significant reactions among Ondo State residents, both at home and abroad, leading many to believe that the governor was prioritising political ambitions over governance. A considerable number of people were led to believe that the case was instituted by Governor Aiyedatiwa by proxy. However, findings by Starnews NG indicate that the legal action was not initiated by the governor or any of his associates.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Dr. Akin Egbuwalo, the plaintiff and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, has no personal or close relationship with the governor and does not belong to Aiyedatiwa’s political camp. The investigation indicated that this was a quick legal ambush aimed at reminding the governor of the legal hurdles he faces regarding a second term. In response, the governor sought to defend himself by assembling a legal team to mount a robust defence.
According to our investigation, the case was instituted less than a year after Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office as the executive governor of the state, raising questions about the motivations behind such an early legal challenge from a member of his own political party. Prior to the case becoming public knowledge, the narrative was that the governor was in court seeking judicial interpretation regarding his eligibility for the upcoming 2028 Ondo State governorship election.
Even after the Akure Federal High Court ruling halting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s purported ambitions for a second term in 2028, social media narratives continued to portray him as the one seeking judicial clarification on his eligibility.
Despite the clear evidence that Aiyedatiwa is a victim of legal distraction, misleading narratives have persisted, deceiving the unsuspecting public. Political gladiators and their followers have exploited this misinformation to criticise the government for a case the governor never initiated, diverting attention from the more pressing issues of insecurity in Ondo State that demand collective attention.
As a news medium, we believe that the misrepresentation of information and dissemination of false narratives undermine trust and integrity in both personal and societal contexts. Such practices distort reality and manipulate individuals and communities, leading to misguided decisions and harmful consequences.
It is essential to condemn these actions vigorously, as they erode the foundations of honest communication and create divisions based on misinformation within our society. Upholding transparency and accountability is crucial in countering these detrimental tendencies and fostering a culture of critical thinking and informed decision-making. We must strive to promote truthfulness and authenticity, ensuring that the information we share is accurate and serves the greater good, rather than perpetuating deception and confusion.
In light of this, Starnews NG reports that residents of Ondo State have continued to express concern over rising insecurity in various parts of the state, including Owo, Okitipupa, and Akure, the state capital. We urge the governor to intensify efforts to address security challenges such as kidnapping, burglary, robbery, and other social vices affecting communities across the state.
Mr. Governor should focus on governance in the Sunshine State, tackling insecurity while improving safety and ensuring stability for all residents.
We advise the public to be cautious of unverified narratives circulating, especially on social media, and to rely on accurate information regarding government actions and policies.
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