By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Annex, Onikan, has upheld the election of Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, reaffirming her mandate as the duly elected Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Delivering its ruling, the tribunal declared Bada the rightful winner of the July 12 local government election, effectively putting to rest one of the legal disputes that had cast a shadow over her tenure. The court also clarified the lingering legal debate over the commencement date of the 2025 Local Government Administration Law, holding that the Executive Order issued on August 4—which set the official start date—takes precedence over the earlier May 7 assent signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
While this ruling has provided clarity on the election outcome and the law’s commencement, a separate case filed by a civic society group and represented by Femi Falana Chambers remains pending, as proceedings were stalled by the judiciary’s annual vacation.
The judgment has been welcomed across political circles, with supporters and community stakeholders describing it as a triumph for democracy and justice, as well as an affirmation of the resilience of the people of Ikosi-Isheri. Speaking after the verdict, Princess Bada expressed gratitude to residents for standing firm through the period of uncertainty. She called for unity and urged all stakeholders to work together to advance sustainable community development, noting that her administration remains committed to delivering tangible progress at the grassroots.