Ahead of Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos State, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has inaugurated two electoral tribunal panels to address disputes arising from the conduct of the polls.
The tribunals will be operating in two divisions of the state – one located on Lagos Island and the other in Ikeja.
Each panel, consisting of four experienced Chief Magistrates, would be chaired by respected retired High Court Judges.
Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (rtd) will preside over the Lagos Island Panel, which other members include Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.
The Ikeja Panel is chaired by Justice Sherifah Solebo (rtd) and comprises Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
During the inauguration ceremony held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room on Friday, Justice Alogba urged the tribunals to maintain their integrity, fairness, and adherence to the law in the proceedings before them.
The Chief Judge also highlighted the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, particularly concerning the timeframe for addressing election petitions.
He stated, “Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is null and has no legal effect.”
Justice Alogba further urged the panel members to be guided by principles of law and evidence, stressing that the success of the election dispute resolution process relies heavily on their impartiality and professionalism.
“You must act strictly within the bounds of the law. My trust in your character, experience, and judgement influenced your appointments. I urge you to uphold justice without fear or favour and resist any forms of bias or intimidation,” he stated.
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said that the panel members must see their appointments as a call to serve and defend democracy and the rule of law.
“This is not just a legal duty but a moral obligation to the state and humanity. You are expected to ensure credibility in the electoral process by eliminating any perception that the courts are used to decide winners against the will of the people,” Pedro said.
The panels will commence sittings immediately after the local government elections were concluded.
