The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has inaugurated two appeal tribunals to handle any disputes that may arise from today’s local government elections in the state.
The tribunals, which will sit in Ikeja and Lagos Island, were set up on Friday at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room. Each panel has four chief magistrates and is led by a retired High Court judge.
Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (retired) will head the Lagos Island panel, while Justice Sherifah Solebo (retired) will lead the Ikeja panel.
While speaking at the event, Justice Alogba told the members of the tribunal to do their work with honesty, fairness, and full respect for the law. He reminded them to follow the time rules clearly stated in the 2016 amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law.
He said petitions must be filed within 21 days after results are declared, and the tribunal has only 45 days to hear and conclude such matters.
“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time limit is a nullity and of no legal effect,” the Chief Judge said.
He urged the tribunal members not to allow any form of pressure or bias to affect their decisions.
“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,” he added.
Justice Alogba also noted that Lagos State has built a good image for its judiciary and advised the panel to keep up that reputation.
“I am not saying everybody will accept the results. Naturally, somebody will be a loser,” he said.
