The Ondo State Judiciary has insisted that the State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal, ‘as presently constituted, is legally compliant and well-positioned to handle its responsibilities.’
The Chief Registrar, Ondo State Judiciary, Mrs Yetunde Ajanaku stated this while reacting to the claim of a legal professional, Adebayo Solagbade who questioned the legality of the Tribunal as constituted by the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola on Thursday.
Solagbade had alleged that the composition of the election petition Tribunal was illegal “having been constituted in a manner fundamentally different from the mandatory prescriptions of the Law.
“Regrettably, it appears that my lord the Honorable Chief Judge and His Excellency the Governor were not properly advised as to the statutory requirements of constituting the Tribunal.
Reacting to the allegations, Mrs Yetunde Ajanaku described the composition of the election petition Tribunal as legal, saying, “We wish to state categorically, without any vestige of falsehood or equivocation that the Tribunal, as presently constituted by the Chief Judge, is entirely in line with this updated legal framework.”
The statement reads; “The claim, which is based on Section 88 of the Ondo State Local Government Establishment Law cap 87 volume 2 Laws of Ondo State 2006, is misleading and reflects a lack of understanding of the current legal framework.
“The publication, authored by a legal practitioner, argues that the Tribunal should be disbanded on the basis of Section 88 of the Ondo State Local Government Establishment Law, which purportedly stipulates that the Tribunal’s Chairman must be a High Court Judge, with two other members being Magistrates of a rank not below Chief Magistrates.
“While this position may have reflected the law at one point, it is important to highlight that the referenced provision has since been amended.
“Section 3, sub-sections 1 and 2 of the amended Ondo State Local Government Administration, Conduct of Local Government Election and Allied Matters Law, 2024, provide as follows:
“(3) (1) The Chairman shall be a Chief Magistrate and other two members shall be appointed from among members of the judiciary not below the rank of a Senior Magistrate or its equivalent or a legal practitioner of impeccable character of not less than ten (10) years post call.
“(3) (2) The Chairman and other members of the Election Tribunal shall be appointed by the Chief Judge of the State”.
“We wish to state categorically, without any vestige of falsehood or equivocation that the Tribunal, as presently constituted by the Chief Judge, is entirely in line with this updated legal framework.
“It consists of a Chief Magistrate as Chairman, alongside two other members, one of whom is a legal practitioner. This setup ensures a balanced and competent panel to handle election petitions effectively and fairly.
“The Hon. Chief Judge of Ondo State, as empowered by the law, acted within the bounds of his constitutional and statutory duties in constituting the Tribunal.
“The decision aligns with the amended law and ensures that the Tribunal is well- equipped to handle the task of adjudicating local government election disputes promptly and effectively.
“The Judiciary is concerned about the deliberate misinformation being circulated to undermine public confidence in the Tribunal and the judicial process. It is imperative to emphasise that such unfounded claims not only mislead the public but also attempt to derail the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
“It is understandable that legal interpretations can occasionally lead to different opinions. However, it is crucial to rely on the relevant, most current, and applicable legal provisions when discussing such matters. Misrepresenting extant laws not only creates confusion but also risks undermining public confidence in our judicial system.
“We appeal to members of the public and stakeholders to trust in the Judiciary’s integrity and commitment to ensuring justice is served. The Judiciary is not only an arbiter of disputes but also a custodian of fairness and the rule of law.
“The Ondo State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal, as presently constituted, is legally compliant and well-positioned to handle its responsibilities. We urge all parties to approach such matters with caution, seeking accurate legal guidance and promoting constructive discourse that supports the development of our democratic institutions.
“The Ondo State Judiciary remains dedicated to its role as an impartial and lawful institution, ensuring that the principles of justice and democracy are upheld at all times. Members of the public are urged to disregard baseless allegations and trust in the Judiciary’s capacity to ensure a transparent and lawful adjudication process for election disputes.“
