By Peter Dansu As Lagos State prepares for its upcoming local government elections, the state judiciary has taken a major step to ensure t...
By Peter Dansu
As Lagos State prepares for its upcoming local government elections, the state judiciary has taken a major step to ensure transparency and fairness in the post-election process. On Friday, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, officially inaugurated two separate election appeal tribunals, each to be headed by a retired High Court judge.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, with plans for tribunal sittings to take place in both Lagos Island and Ikeja.
Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (Rtd) has been appointed to chair the Lagos Island panel, working alongside Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.
Meanwhile, Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd) will lead the Ikeja panel, which includes Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
Speaking at the inauguration, Justice Alogba emphasized the importance of integrity and strict adherence to the law in handling election petitions. He reminded tribunal members of the legal timeline set by the 2016 amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, warning that any ruling delivered outside the statutory period would be considered null and void.
“You must work strictly within the law,” Justice Alogba said. “Your experience and integrity are the reasons for your selection. Uphold justice without fear, favour, or bias, and resist any form of pressure or intimidation.”
Also present at the event was the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), who described the assignment as more than a legal duty—it is a moral responsibility to uphold democracy.
“This task goes beyond the courtroom,” Pedro said. “You are defending the credibility of our democratic process and must ensure it is not undermined through the judiciary.”
The two panels are expected to begin their work immediately after the local government elections conclude, handling any appeals that may arise from the electoral process.
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