Lagos Assembly Lawmakers arrive court over Obasa’s removal as Speaker

Thirty-five lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a case filed by Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging his removal as Speaker.

Obasa had approached the court after at least 36 lawmakers voted to remove him from office on January 13, 2025, while he was reportedly out of the country. In an application dated February 12, 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa claimed that his removal was improper.

The legal team representing the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, is led by Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN). Other senior lawyers defending the lawmakers include Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN), Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Mr. Olumide Oyewole, and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.

At the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had taken their seats in the courtroom, awaiting the commencement of the hearing.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has condemned what it described as an invasion attempt on Thursday. In a statement issued by the media office of the Speaker, the House accused Obasa and three lawmakers of attempting to hold an unsanctioned plenary session.

“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.

It further clarified that plenary sessions require a formal notice to all members, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace, which symbolizes legislative authority.

“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the statement, signed by the House spokesman, Hon. Steve Ogundipe, added.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding legislative integrity and working within legal boundaries to safeguard democratic governance in Lagos.

“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance,” the statement continued.

The lawmakers also expressed their full support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda, dismissing rumors of her resignation.

“Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues,” the House declared.

The Lagos Assembly further assured the public of its alignment with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in resolving any misunderstandings and reiterated its commitment to serving the interests of Lagosians.