By Chidinma Nwaoji
Lagos CJ Commissions Dual Appeal Panels Ahead of LG Elections
In preparation for the Lagos State Local Government elections holding today, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has inaugurated two Election Appeal Tribunals to ensure a smooth post-election judicial process.
The tribunals, launched on Friday at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, will sit concurrently—one in Ikeja and the other on Lagos Island. Each tribunal comprises four seasoned chief magistrates and is led by a retired High Court judge.
Read more:Lagos Police Prevent Elderly Woman’s Suicide Attempt on Carter Bridge
Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (retd.) chairs the Lagos Island Tribunal, working alongside Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus. Meanwhile, Justice Sherifah Solebo (retd.) heads the Ikeja panel, with Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun as members.
Chief judge of lagos state, Justice Kazeem Alogba
Charging the appointees with a sense of duty, Justice Alogba urged them to uphold justice with “integrity, fairness, and fidelity to the law,” warning that any decision taken beyond the statutory timeline would be null and void.
He reminded them of the guidelines in the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, which mandates that petitions be filed within 21 days after the announcement of results, and tribunal proceedings be concluded within 45 days.
“Act strictly within the purview of the law. Your appointments are based on the trust I have in your integrity, experience, and sound judgment. Deliver justice without fear or favour, and resist all forms of bias or intimidation,” Alogba charged.
He noted that the credibility of the state judiciary hinges on the conduct of the panels, stating, “Lagos judiciary is widely respected for its integrity and leadership across Nigeria. Your verdicts may not please all, but let them reflect truth and fairness.”