Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country. However, he has since rejected his removal and is now seeking legal redress.
At least 29 lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly who backed the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker have arrived at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a case filed by Obasa challenging his ouster.
Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country. However, he has since rejected his removal and is now seeking legal redress.
In an application dated February 12, 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa is asking the court to nullify his removal, arguing that due process was not followed.
Representing Speaker Mojisola Meranda and the House are a team of senior lawyers, including lead counsel Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), alongside other legal heavyweights such as Olu Daramola (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), Muiz Banire (SAN), Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dada Awosika (SAN), Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Olumide Oyewole, and Wunmi Okeremi.
As of the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had taken their seats, awaiting the commencement of the hearing.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned what it described as an invasion by Obasa and a few loyalists in an attempt to reconvene a plenary session on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday by the House spokesman, Hon. Steve Ogundipe, the lawmakers declared the move unconstitutional, insisting that Obasa no longer holds authority over the Assembly.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members,” the statement read.
The House argued that Obasa failed to meet key procedural requirements, including a formal notice to members, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the official mace, which symbolises legislative authority.
None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only five out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the statement added.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, dismissing reports that she had resigned.
She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues. Any speculation suggesting otherwise is entirely unfounded,” the statement read.
The House also emphasised its alignment with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in resolving the crisis, vowing to uphold the integrity of the legislature and act in the best interest of Lagosians.
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