Embattled Lagos lawmaker Mudashiru Obasa has taken legal action to contest his removal as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa has filed a suit against the Lagos Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, arguing that his removal was unconstitutional since the House of Assembly was on recess when the decision was made.
Obasa Seeks Accelerated Hearing
In a motion dated February 12, 2025, Obasa, through his legal team led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, is requesting an accelerated hearing of the case. The motion seeks a court order for a swift resolution, including:
- Setting an early date for the hearing of the originating summons.
- Reducing the time allowed for the defendants to respond to just seven days.
- Limiting the plaintiff’s time for replying to three days.
Grounds for the Legal Challenge
Obasa was out of the country when 36 lawmakers voted to remove him as Speaker on January 13, 2025. Upon his return, he rejected the removal, insisting that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
His case is based on the interpretation of key sections of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), alongside provisions from the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Part of the motion states:
“This action challenges the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly to sit during recess without the Speaker reconvening the House or giving any other person powers to reconvene the House.
Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the state are not stalled.”
Awaiting Court Date
As of the time of filing this report, the court has yet to schedule a hearing date for the case.