The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, has inaugurated two Appeal Tribunal Panels to handle petitions arising from the just-concluded local government elections, with a stern warning that any decision taken outside the stipulated legal time frame would be null and void.
The inauguration, which took place at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, marks the judiciary’s readiness to swiftly adjudicate electoral disputes and safeguard the integrity of the council polls held across the state on Saturday.
Justice Alogba announced the establishment of two divisions of the tribunal — one each in Lagos Island and Ikeja — both chaired by retired High Court judges and comprising seasoned Chief Magistrates.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Justice Taofikat Oyekan-Abdullahi (Rtd) will lead the Lagos Island division, with Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus serving as members.
The Ikeja division is chaired by Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd), alongside Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.
Speaking during the inauguration, Justice Alogba urged the tribunal members to approach their task with impartiality, diligence, and strict adherence to legal provisions — particularly those outlined in the 2016 amendment to 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,” the Chief Judge warned.
“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.”
He emphasized that their ability to ensure justice without fear or favour would be critical to maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the appointment as a call to national duty in defence of democracy and justice.
“This is not just a legal duty, but a moral obligation to the state and humanity,” Pedro said.
“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.”
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the panels are to begin sitting immediately, as political parties and candidates prepare to challenge the outcomes of the elections in various local government areas and local council development areas.
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