Lagos State Government

Office of the governor of Lagos state

The Office of the Governor was created along with the creation of the State in 1967. but currently headed by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who is the 14th Governor of the State. This Office is responsible for the effective coordination of all government activities for the good people of the State.

State Vision

Making Lagos Africa’s Model Mega City And Global Economic and Financial Hub.

State Policy Thrust

Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Economic Growth through Infrastructure Renewal and Development.

Judiciary

The Judiciary is one of the three co-equal arms of the Lagos State Government concern with the interpretation of the laws of Lagos State government. The judiciary is headed by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, appointed by the Lagos State Governor with the approval of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Distinguish members of the Judiciary include the Attorney-General and Lagos State Commissioner for Justice as well as the Chief Registrar. The Chief Registrar serves as the head of administration and accountant to the judiciary.

History of the judiciary

The Lagos State Judiciary is the first established Judiciary in Nigeria and formerly known as Colony Province Judiciary. Magistrate court was the first to be established among others. It was established before the High court, that was formerly referred to as the Supreme Court but and its jurisdiction was localized. The establishment of the Magistrate court give birth to the High court, the then Lagos State Supreme Court. When the Supreme Court of Nigeria was founded, the Lagos Supreme Court metamorphosed into High Court of the Federal Territory Lagos with concurrent appointment of John Taylor as the Chief judge.

On May 27, 1967, the same year Lagos State was formed, the High Court and the Magistrate Court of the Federal Territory were merged to form the Lagos State Judiciary under the Leadership of John Taylor, the pioneer Chief Judge of Lagos State. Taylor's tenure elapsed on November 7, 1973 and was succeeded by Justice Joseph Adefarasin following his appointment that took effect on November 1, 1974. He served in that capacity for 9 years until April 24, 1985 when is tenure ended. He was succeeded by Justice Candide Adeyemi Johnson, appointed on April 25, 1985, a day after Justice Joseph left the office. He spent 4 years in office and Justice Ligali Ayorinde succeeded him on July 10, 1989. He served in that capacity for 6 years I.e between July 1989 to April 1995. On August 2014, Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke Atilade was appointed as the Chief Judge, sworn in by Ade Ipaye, the Attorney General of Lagos State.

Courts

The Lagos State courts consists of three levels of courts. The high court, an appellate court that operates under discretionary review, meaning that the Court can choose which cases to hear, by granting of writs of certiorari. It is the court of last resort. Other levels of court include the Magistrates and the Customary Court. In addition to the court, the Judiciary also consists of a Judicial Service Commission which statutory duties includes the promotion and appointment of judicial staffs as well as other disciplinary function. The Chief Judge serves as the commission's chairman.

Legislature

The Legislature or state house assembly is one of the three co-equal arms of the State Government concern with the Law making. The legislature consists of elected members from each constituency of the state. The head of the legislature is the Speaker who is elected by the house. The building of the legislature is situated inside the Lagos State Government house at Alausa in Ikeja central business district, Lagos State. The legislative function of the legislature is to make law by passing bills, which must be endorsed by the two-third majority of the house. Following the endorsement by the two-third majority, the bill is presented to the Governor, who will sign the bill to become law. The assembly assess and approve the annual budget of the state government on presentation by the governor. The assembly also play a significant role in the appointment of the state commissioners, Chief judges and other top official by the governor.

Executive

The executive branch is one of the three co-equal arms of the State Government concern with policy making and implementation of bills. The executive is responsible for the daily administration of the state. Members of the executive includes the Governor, deputy Governors and commissioners. Other top official of the state such as the head of service are also inclusive. The executives overseas the ministries and each ministry headed and coordinated by the Commissioner, assisted by a Permanent Secretary.