David Owoicho Adejo-Ogiri has become the first Nigerian to be appointed a judge of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
The appointment was unveiled by the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the General Assemblies meeting at Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
Adejo-Ogiri’s appointment was proposed by the Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN)
FIA was established on 20 June 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users. It is the governing body for many auto racing events, including Formula One. The FIA also promotes road safety around the world.
In 2010 FIA General Assembly adopted a new judicial system which includes an International Tribunal (IT) and an International Court of Appeal (ICA) with updated rules and functions. This new judicial organisation came into effect as of 1 January 2011. In accordance with good governance principles, the IT and the ICA are independent bodies with their own administration detached from the main structure of the FIA.
The International Tribunal (IT) exercises the FIA disciplinary powers in the first instance (for cases not dealt with by the Stewards of the Meeting). Decisions taken by the IT can be appealed before the International Court of Appeal (ICA).
The International Court of Appeal is the final appeal tribunal for international motor sport. Established under the FIA Statutes and the FIA International Sporting Code it resolves disputes brought before it by any of National Sporting Authorities worldwide, or by the President of the FIA. It can also settle non-sporting disputes brought by national motoring organizations affiliated to the FIA.
In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) Afam O. Okeke, Esq. AICMC wished him a very successful tenure, adding that the branch is proud of him.
Judge Adejo-Ogiri’s tenure is four years.