The embattled Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has approached the court to challenge his removal from office. Obasa, who was ousted from his position by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, while he was out of the country, claims that the removal was unconstitutional and should be reversed.
Obasa filed a motion at the State High Court in Ikeja on February 12, 2025, through his legal counsel, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Afolabi Fashanu. The motion seeks an order from the court for an expedited hearing of the case. Obasa, who has served as Speaker for several years, argues that the Lagos Assembly violated constitutional provisions in removing him while the Assembly was on recess, and he insists that he remains the rightful Speaker.
Obasa’s removal came as a surprise to many, as it took place during the legislative recess, a period when the Assembly is not actively conducting business. Despite this, 36 members of the Assembly voted to remove him from office, and they elected Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker. Obasa, upon returning to the country, declared that he remained the Speaker and promptly filed a suit in court to challenge the legitimacy of his removal.
The motion filed by Obasa’s legal team contains several key points challenging the legality of his removal. Obasa is seeking a ruling on the constitutionality of the Lagos Assembly proceedings, specifically whether the Assembly had the right to sit during recess without the Speaker’s approval or without the Speaker’s formal reconvening of the House. He argues that the Assembly’s actions violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311, as well as the standing orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In the motion, Obasa’s legal team argues that the Assembly did not follow the proper procedures for the removal of the Speaker, as set out in both the Constitution and the Assembly’s own rules. The motion also highlights that Obasa’s removal was conducted without him being present, which raises questions about the validity of the process.
The application for accelerated hearing requests the court to fast-track the case to avoid unnecessary delays. The lawmaker is seeking a speedy determination so that legislative activities in Lagos are not disrupted further by the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Assembly.
In his motion, Obasa’s counsel highlighted the need for quick action, stating that the matter requires urgent attention for the sake of public interest and the proper functioning of the Lagos State House of Assembly. They argue that the leadership vacuum created by the uncertainty surrounding the position of the Speaker could lead to legislative paralysis, which would affect the state’s ability to conduct essential business.
“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination,” the motion reads.
Obasa, who had been the Speaker for several years, is well-known in Lagos politics. His removal from office has been seen by some as a power struggle within the Assembly, while others view it as a move to bring about change in the leadership of the state legislature. His challenge in court will shed light on the legality of the Assembly’s actions and the procedures followed in his removal.
Mudashiru Obasa’s leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been a subject of both praise and criticism. Throughout his tenure, he was considered a powerful figure in Lagos politics. However, his tenure has also been marked by occasional controversy, including allegations of financial mismanagement and questions about the transparency of certain decisions made by the Assembly.
The removal of Obasa came at a time of heightened political tension in the state, as new leadership dynamics within the Assembly have led to shifts in power. The election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker is seen by some as a response to these tensions, with calls for a new direction in the Assembly’s leadership.
Obasa’s challenge in court is now poised to be a significant test of the legal and political landscape in Lagos, as the outcome of the case could set important precedents for how future removals of lawmakers or speakers are handled in the state.
The case is still in its early stages, with no date yet set for a hearing. However, the legal battle is likely to have far-reaching implications for Lagos State’s political environment. If the court rules in favour of Obasa, it could lead to his reinstatement as Speaker and the overturning of the actions taken by the 36 lawmakers who voted to remove him. On the other hand, if the court upholds the decision to remove him, it would reinforce the authority of the current leadership in the Assembly.
