Lagos Chief Judge Swears in Election Tribunal Panels

T The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, on Friday inaugurated two panels of the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal ahead of the forthcoming council elections in the state.

The panels, designed to handle post-election disputes, have been divided into two zones—Lagos Island and Ikeja—each comprising four seasoned Chief Magistrates and chaired by retired High Court judges.

Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (Rtd) will head the Lagos Island Panel, with Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus serving as members.

The Ikeja Panel is chaired by Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd), and includes Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, Justice Alogba urged the newly inaugurated members to carry out their duties with unwavering integrity, fairness, and strict adherence to the law.

He specifically drew attention to the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, highlighting the importance of strict compliance with timelines for election petitions.

“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” Justice Alogba cautioned.

He further advised the members to let the principles of law and evidence guide their judgments, stressing the importance of impartiality and professionalism in building public trust in the tribunal process.

“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.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the appointments as a patriotic call to service.

“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 determine winners outside the will of the people,” Pedro remarked.

The panels are expected to begin sitting immediately after the conclusion of the local government elections.