The Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, on Thursday inaugurated the State Local Government Election Tribunal in Benin.
The tribunal was constituted to hear and determine petitions arising from the recently concluded local government elections.
Justice Bright Oniha was inaugurated as chairman of the three-member tribunal panel.
Other members of the tribunal are Justice Ovenseri Otamere and Justice Godwin Okundamiya.
Okungbowa charged the panel members to uphold judicial impartiality and fairness while carrying out their responsibilities.
He said integrity, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law must guide proceedings before the tribunal.
The Chief Judge described the assignment as crucial to sustaining democracy at the grassroots level.
He urged the tribunal to ensure that “justice is not only done but is seen to be done”.
Responding on behalf of the members, Oniha thanked the Chief Judge for entrusting them with the responsibility.
He assured that the panel would diligently discharge its mandate in accordance with the law.
“The tribunal will do its utmost best to deliver on its mandate diligently and in line with legal provisions,” Oniha said.
The inauguration paved the way for the hearing and determination of petitions from the July 11, 2026 local government elections.
Recall that the tribunal’s constitution followed Section 78(2) of the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law, 2012.
A statement signed by Edo Chief Registrar, Benson Osawaru, confirmed that the composition complied with the amended electoral law.