Ex-Senator Warns Against Third-Term Plot, Says Ondo Governor Risks Breaching 1999 Constitution
A former Senator who represented Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, FCA, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to resist any temptation to seek another term in office after his current tenure, warning that such an ambition would amount to a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement personally signed and circulated on social media platforms, the two-term senator described recent legal arguments attempting to justify Governor Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility for another term as “a dangerous distortion of the Constitution.” He emphasized that Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2018, is explicit about the maximum period any individual can serve as governor of a state in Nigeria.
According to Akinyelure, the maximum number of years any person can serve as Governor is eight years or less, particularly in cases where a Deputy Governor succeeds a sitting Governor to complete an unexpired tenure due to death or incapacitation.
Quoting the constitutional provision, Akinyelure stated:
“A person who was sworn in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such an office for more than a single term.”
The former lawmaker said the spirit of this provision leaves no room for ambiguity or judicial manipulation. He warned that any attempt to interpret it otherwise would be an abuse of the law and an assault on the democratic framework of Nigeria.
Akinyelure asked: “Will it be constitutional for Aiyedatiwa to govern Ondo State for nine years if allowed to contest again, instead of the maximum of eight years clearly provided by the Constitution?”
He argued that Governor Aiyedatiwa has already enjoyed uncommon grace, having served as Deputy Governor for about three years, completed the remaining one year of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s tenure, and now serving a fresh four-year mandate.
“By implication,” he said, “Governor Aiyedatiwa will have served for five years by February 23, 2029, when his current term ends. Any further attempt to extend his stay would make it nine years, which is unconstitutional.”
The chartered accountant turned politician also cautioned lawyers and political allies allegedly encouraging the governor to pursue another term through the courts, accusing them of chasing personal benefits at the expense of constitutional integrity and public trust.
Describing Aiyedatiwa as “a lucky man by name and destiny,” Akinyelure added that the governor should see his current position as divine favor rather than a platform for personal ambition.
He said, “He was once rejected, but God elevated him to Deputy Governor and later to Governor. He should therefore respect the Constitution that brought him to power, serve the people faithfully, and focus on developmental projects that will uplift Ondo State.”
The former senator reaffirmed his belief in the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution and advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to avoid any action capable of eroding public confidence or plunging Ondo State into needless political turmoil.
Leave a Reply