The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has inaugurated two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal panels to prepare for possible post-election disputes following the ongoing council elections across the state.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the inauguration was held on Friday inside the Ikeja High Court Conference Room.
The two panels are to sit separately at Lagos Island and Ikeja respectively, ensuring accessibility to handle petitions swiftly and fairly.
The move, described by stakeholders as a proactive step, is aimed at reinforcing the credibility of the electoral process and reassuring the public of judicial neutrality.
Retired Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi was appointed as the head of the Lagos Island panel.
She will work alongside Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.
Meanwhile, over at the Ikeja panel, retired Justice Sherifah Solebo will lead the tribunal.
Supporting her are Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
In his address to the members of both tribunals, the Chief Judge of Lagos State emphasized the need for fairness, discipline, and legal accuracy.
He said, “You must work strictly within the law, as your experience and integrity influenced your appointment to these tribunals.”
Justice Alogba reminded them of the binding nature of the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law.
“Any decision made outside the legal timeframe is void and holds no legal weight,” he noted. “Execute your duties with utmost integrity, fairness, and strict fidelity to the law,” he advised further.
Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), who also attended the event, urged the panel members to view their roles as more than just legal assignments.
“This is more than legal duty; it is a moral obligation to the state and humanity,” he stated. He also added that they must “ensure the credibility of the electoral process, protecting it from being manipulated through the judicial system.”
The Chief Judge expressed confidence in their competence, while also cautioning them to resist all forms of external influence or pressure.
