PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly took another dramatic turn on Friday as 35 lawmakers who backed the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker showed up at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a suit initiated by Obasa against his estranged colleagues.
Persecondnews reports that the court case was to challenge the speaker’s ousting.
This move highlights the deepening rift within the Assembly, with the lawmakers’ unified presence in court signaling their staunch support for Mojisola Meranda, who took over as Speaker after Obasa’s removal.
Persecondnews had reported that Obasa had announced that he had approached the court to challenge his removal on January 13, 2025.
Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), filed an application on February 12, claiming Obasa was unlawfully removed as Speaker on January 13, 2025, while he was abroad.
Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s defence team is led by Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).
Others counsel to the lawmakers are 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.
As of time of this report, the 35 lawmakers had already taken their seats in the courtroom, poised for the commencement of the hearing.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has vehemently denounced the invasion of its premises by security operatives on Thursday, labeling it a blatant infringement on democratic principles, according to a statement released on Friday by the Assembly’s spokesman, Mr. Steve Ogundipe.
The statement reads: “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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace, an essential symbol of 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 House reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity and dignity of the legislative institution, pledging to adhere to the highest standards of parliamentary conduct.
The statement added: “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.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians.
“Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues.”
The House reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to resolve internal disputes constructively, while prioritizing the well-being and interests of the Lagosian people.
The Assembly has been plagued by a leadership crisis since Obasa’s removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, and the subsequent election of Meranda.
Obasa faced serious allegations from the lawmakers, including poor leadership style, frequent lateness, high-handedness, disregard for colleagues and the executive, abuse of office, intimidation, oppression, and misappropriation.
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