Arbitrators’ impartiality and independence: commentary on Gobowen v AXXIS
2018; Oxford University Press; Volume: 34; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1093/arbint/aiy002
ISSN1875-8398
AutoresAbimbola Akeredolu, Chinedum I. Umeche,
Tópico(s)Legal Issues in South Africa
ResumoThe recent decision of the Federal High Court, a court of first instance, in Gobowen has brought to the fore the issue of arbitrators’ impartiality and independence. The court annulled an award because one of the arbitrators failed to disclose his family relationship with the lead counsel for the party who appointed him. This is possibly the first case in Nigeria where the issue for determination turned on the question of arbitrators’ impartiality and independence. The article interrogates the rationale for the court’s conclusion. Although the authors agree with the court, they query certain aspects of the court’s analyses. Judgments of courts of first instance are hardly reported in Nigeria. Yet, they establish precedents on the points decided. The commentary is intended to give the decision a wider audience, especially in the light of the increased use of arbitration as a means of resolving disputes in Nigeria
Referência(s)