The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja was abuzz yesterday as lawmakers from the Lagos State House of
Assembly gathered for the hearing of a suit instituted by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa is challenging his removal from office by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The lawmakers, who were respondents in the suit, arrived at the court premises early yesterday morning,
accompanied by their lawyers. The atmosphere was tense as the lawmakers and their lawyers prepared for the
hearing.
Obasa’s removal from office had sparked a crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The suit, which was filed by Obasa’s lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), is seeking to challenge the legality of Obasa’s
removal from office. The lawyer argued that the removal was unconstitutional and that Obasa was not given a fair
hearing.
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The respondents in the suit, including the lawmakers and Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who was elected to replace
Obasa, were represented by a team of lawyers led by Femi Falana (SAN). The lawyers argued that Obasa’s removal
was lawful and that he was given ample opportunity to defend himself.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, who presided over the case, had earlier ordered that all members of the Lagos State House
of Assembly be joined as parties in the suit. This decision was seen as a significant development in the case, as it
implied that all lawmakers would be required to testify in the matter.
The hearing of the suit was initially scheduled for February 20, 2025, but was adjourned to March 7, 2025, to allow for
the hearing of preliminary objections. Yesterday’s hearing was seen as a crucial step in the determination of the suit.
The outcome of the suit is being eagerly awaited by stakeholders in the Lagos State House of Assembly, as it is
expected to have significant implications for the leadership of the assembly. Obasa’s removal from office had sparked
a crisis in the assembly, and the determination of the suit is expected to bring clarity to the situation.
