The National Convener of Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG), Dr Charles Márìndọ̀tí Olúdàre, has hailed the judgement of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as decisive, ending post-election distractions.

He also noted that the verdict was a strong endorsement of the people’s determination to move forward under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

In a statement released from Texas, United States of America, Marindoti described the tribunal’s unanimous ruling as the final punctuation to a political season marked by tension, litigation and misinformation.

Marindoti also observed that the judgement, delivered on 4 June, exactly 100 days after Aiyedatiwa was sworn in for his first full term, marked a new chapter for Ondo State, signalling a shift from uncertainty to stability.

He emphasised that the court’s decision was not only a legal confirmation of victory but also a clear assertion that the people’s votes are sacrosanct and cannot be challenged in court.

According to him, those who challenged the governor’s mandate in court exhausted all possible means to destabilise the post-election environment, but the judiciary stood firm in its commitment to upholding truth and justice.

He insisted that the outcome once again demonstrated that a courageous and impartial judiciary is the bedrock of democracy.

He said while political opponents were engaged in futile battles, the governor had already begun to steer Ondo State towards transformation, focusing on education, infrastructure, healthcare and social inclusion, a testament to purposeful governance; unaffected by legal distractions.

Marindoti stated that the tribunal’s judgement now grants the governor full moral and legal authority to pursue his “OUR EASE” agenda without hindrance.

The governor, he stressed, has so far performed well through various achievements such as infrastructural projects in roads and other public utilities, even as he applauded him over massive recruitmet of teachers to buoy the education sector.

He further praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style, highlighting his humility, openness to criticism and prompt policy actions, which have earned him widespread goodwill beyond partisan divides.

Marindoti urged opposition parties to accept the tribunal’s ruling in good faith and collaborate with the government to deliver tangible dividends of democracy. 

“The era of courtroom battles is over. “Governance must now take precedence over grudges,” the statement said.

He called on residents to rally behind the administration and unite in pursuit of development.

“This judgement is not the end of a fight; it is the beginning of a united journey. 

“Let all true lovers of Ondo State set politics aside and prioritise the welfare of the people,” he admonished.