As Lagos State gears up for its upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, June 12, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has formally inaugurated two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunals to handle any legal disputes that may arise from the polls.
The newly established tribunals will operate concurrently at two key judicial locations—Lagos Island and Ikeja. Each tribunal is composed of four senior magistrates and led by a retired High Court judge.
Presiding over the Lagos Island tribunal is retired Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi. She will be supported by Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus. Meanwhile, the Ikeja tribunal will be chaired by retired Justice Sherifah Solebo, with Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun serving alongside her.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the High Court Conference Room in Ikeja, Justice Alogba charged tribunal members to carry out their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and adherence to legal standards.
“You must act strictly within the purview of the law,” the Chief Judge stated, expressing his confidence in the experience, character, and sound judgment of the appointed officials. He further urged them to uphold justice impartially, resisting all forms of bias or external pressure.
Justice Alogba emphasized the statutory timelines established in the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, which allows 21 days after the announcement of election results for the filing of petitions, and mandates the tribunal to conclude all proceedings within 45 days.
“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” he warned.
In his concluding remarks, Justice Alogba reminded the tribunal members of the critical role they play in maintaining public trust in the judiciary. “The Lagos State judiciary is renowned for its integrity and leadership within the Nigerian judicial system. I urge you to put in your best so that your decisions will earn public confidence and appreciation,” he said.
As Lagos State gears up for its upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, June 12, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has formally inaugurated two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunals to handle any legal disputes that may arise from the polls.
The newly established tribunals will operate concurrently at two key judicial locations—Lagos Island and Ikeja. Each tribunal is composed of four senior magistrates and led by a retired High Court judge.
Presiding over the Lagos Island tribunal is retired Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi. She will be supported by Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus. Meanwhile, the Ikeja tribunal will be chaired by retired Justice Sherifah Solebo, with Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun serving alongside her.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the High Court Conference Room in Ikeja, Justice Alogba charged tribunal members to carry out their responsibilities with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and adherence to legal standards.
“You must act strictly within the purview of the law,” the Chief Judge stated, expressing his confidence in the experience, character, and sound judgment of the appointed officials. He further urged them to uphold justice impartially, resisting all forms of bias or external pressure.
Justice Alogba emphasized the statutory timelines established in the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, which allows 21 days after the announcement of election results for the filing of petitions, and mandates the tribunal to conclude all proceedings within 45 days.
“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” he warned.
In his concluding remarks, Justice Alogba reminded the tribunal members of the critical role they play in maintaining public trust in the judiciary. “The Lagos State judiciary is renowned for its integrity and leadership within the Nigerian judicial system. I urge you to put in your best so that your decisions will earn public confidence and appreciation,” he said.
