The Chief Judge of Lagos state, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, on Friday inaugurated two panels of the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal in readiness for the upcoming local council elections.

The tribunal will operate through two divisions – one in Lagos Island and the other in Ikeja – each comprising four experienced Chief Magistrates and chaired by retired High Court Judges.

Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (retd.) will head the Lagos Island Panel, with Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus serving alongside her.

Justice Sherifah Solebo (retd.) will lead the Ikeja Panel, which includes Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, Justice Alogba urged the tribunal members to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, and strict adherence to the law.

He highlighted the importance of complying with the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, particularly the provisions relating to the time frame for adjudicating election petitions.

“Any decision or action taken outside the prescribed legal timeframe is a nullity and has no legal effect,” he warned.

Justice Alogba emphasised that the legitimacy of the electoral process relies heavily on the tribunal’s professionalism and commitment to justice.

“I appointed you based on your character, experience, and sound judgment. You must resist any form of bias or intimidation and uphold justice without fear or favour,” he added.

Also addressing the newly inaugurated members, the Lagos state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, described their assignment as both a “legal and moral duty.”

“This is a service to democracy and the rule of law. Your role is to ensure that the judicial process does not undermine the true will of the electorate,” he said.

The panels are expected to begin sitting immediately after the conclusion of the local government elections.