Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has taken legal action against the Assembly and its new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, contesting the legitimacy of his removal. The lawsuit, filed before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, argues that his impeachment was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed.
Obasa, who was removed on January 13, 2025, while out of the country, claims that 36 lawmakers acted unlawfully by removing him during the Assembly’s recess. Surprisingly, the Former Speaker is not contesting his removal but the legality of it while he was away. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afolabi Fashanu, filed the application on February 12, 2025. The case is yet to be assigned to a judge.
Key Legal Arguments
Obasa’s suit challenges the legality of the Assembly convening and making leadership changes during recess without a formal directive from the Speaker or an authorized delegate. His case hinges on the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The Former Speaker is seeking a court order for an accelerated hearing to prevent prolonged legislative uncertainty, a directive limiting the response time for the defendants to seven days after the hearing and a restriction on the plaintiff’s reply period to three days, ensuring a swift legal process.
Allegations of Political Interference
Beyond procedural concerns, Obasa has alleged that his impeachment was orchestrated in his absence, with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police playing a direct role in facilitating the process. According to him, security agents, led by the commissioner stormed the Assembly complex and his residences in Agege and Ikeja, confining his family indoors with reportedly 200 officers present.
Despite his removal, Obasa maintains that he is not afraid of impeachment but insists that due process was ignored. He returned to Lagos on January 25, 2025, where he was welcomed by supporters at his GRA, Ikeja residence.
Historic Leadership Change
Following his impeachment, Mojisola Meranda, who had served as Deputy Speaker, was elected as his successor, marking a historic moment as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
What Comes Next?
While no date has been set for the court hearing, Obasa has framed his case as a fight for institutional integrity, arguing that a ruling in his favor is necessary to prevent unlawful legislative takeovers in the future. The legal battle is likely to test the boundaries of legislative authority and executive influence in Lagos State politics.
