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By Lukman Olabiyi
In preparation for today’s local government elections in Lagos State, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, on Friday, inaugurated two panels of the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal.
The panels, which were formally commissioned during a ceremony held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, will sit in two separate divisions—Lagos Island and Ikeja.
Each tribunal comprises four experienced chief magistrates and is chaired by a retired high court judge.
Hon. Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (Rtd) will chair the Lagos Island panel, with these magistrates, Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus, serving as members.
The Ikeja panel is headed by Hon. Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd), and includes these magistrates, Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
Justice Alogba, in his remarks, tasked the tribunal members with upholding the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and fidelity to the law.
He cited the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, emphasising the strict time limits imposed for resolving election petitions.
“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” the chief judge warned.
He urged members to remain guided by the principles of law and evidence and to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.
“The success of the electoral dispute resolution process rests significantly on your professionalism and independence. The confidence I have in your character and experience informed your appointment,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the tribunal appointments as a call to defend democracy and uphold the rule of law.
