Ahead of the Lagos Local Government elections holding today, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has inaugurated two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunals.
Each tribunal panel, which will sit concurrently on Lagos Island and in Ikeja, is composed of four chief magistrates and chaired by a retired High Court judge.
Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (retd.) will head the Lagos Island Panel, with Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus as members. The Ikeja Panel will be chaired by Justice Sherifah Solebo (retd.) and will include Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room on Friday, Justice Alogba charged the members of the tribunal to execute their duties with the highest standards of integrity and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“You must act strictly within the purview of the law. The confidence I have in your character, experience, and sense of judgment informed your appointment. I urge you to uphold justice without fear or favour, and resist all forms of bias or intimidation,” he said.
He reminded the tribunal members of the statutory timelines established in the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, noting that petitions must be filed within 21 days after election results are declared, and that tribunals must conclude their work within 45 days.
“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” the Chief Judge emphasised.
He further encouraged the tribunal members to maintain the judiciary’s long-standing reputation for impartiality and professionalism.
“Lagos State judiciary is well known for its integrity and as a torchbearer in the nation’s judiciary. I enjoin you to go out and put in your best so that the results that come out from your decisions will be appreciated by society,” he said. “I am not saying everybody will accept the results. Naturally, somebody will be a loser,” he added.
