The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has established two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunals to handle post-election petitions.
The newly inaugurated tribunals will operate concurrently, with one seated on Lagos Island and the other in Ikeja.
Each panel comprises four chief magistrates, led by retired High Court judges.
Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (Retd.) will head the Lagos Island tribunal.
The panel includes Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.
At the Ikeja tribunal, Justice Sherifah Solebo (Retd.) will preside, with Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun serving as members.
Speaking during the inauguration at the High Court Conference Room in Ikeja on Friday, Justice Alogba charged the appointees to uphold the law with integrity and professionalism.
“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 stated.
He went on to stress the legal framework governing the operations of the tribunals, noting the timelines mandated by the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law.
“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” he emphasised.
According to the law, election petitions must be filed within 21 days after results are declared, and the tribunal is required to conclude its sittings within 45 days.
Justice Alogba concluded by reminding the panelists of the wider public expectations of judicial impartiality.
“Lagos State judiciary is well known for its integrity and as a torchbearer in the nation’s judiciary. I enjoin you to go out and put in your best so that the results that come out from your decisions will be appreciated by society,” he said.
