The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, on Friday formally inaugurated two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal panels in preparation for the council elections.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the inauguration ceremony was held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room. The panels will sit in two locations—Lagos Island and Ikeja.
Retired Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi has been appointed to head the Lagos Island panel, with Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus serving as members. Over in Ikeja, retired Justice Sherifah Solebo will chair the second panel, supported by Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
Addressing the tribunal members, Justice Alogba emphasised the importance of impartiality and legal fidelity in their work.
“You must work strictly within the law, as your experience and integrity influenced your appointment to these tribunals,” he stated.
He further referenced the provisions of the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, highlighting the importance of adhering to statutory timelines for the resolution of election petitions.
“Any decision made outside the legal timeframe is void and holds no legal weight,” Alogba warned, urging members to execute their duties with “utmost integrity, fairness, and strict fidelity to the law.”
He also encouraged the panels to remain courageous and unbiased, resisting any form of pressure or external interference.
Also present at the event was Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), who reminded the tribunal members that their assignment went beyond the legal realm.
“This is more than legal duty; it is a moral obligation to the state and humanity,” Pedro said, adding that they must “ensure the credibility of the electoral process, protecting it from being manipulated through the judicial system.”
The panels are expected to commence sittings immediately after the conclusion of the local government elections.
