A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Lagos this week as the National Industrial Court issued a ruling that has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape. In a surprising judgment, the court ordered the reinstatement of Olalekan Onafeko as the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, overturning his controversial dismissal that had sparked tensions within the state’s political corridors.
The ruling, handed down by Justice M. N. Esowe, followed a legal battle launched by Onafeko after his removal on January 13, 2025. His dismissal was part of a larger political shake-up in the Lagos Assembly, coinciding with the controversial ousting of former Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
The Case: A Tense Legal Drama
The legal action, filed under case number NICN/LA/23/2025, was brought against a number of high-profile defendants, including the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, and even the Speaker of the Lagos House, among others. The suit was initiated by Onafeko’s lawyer, Yusuf Nurudeen, who argued that the former Clerk’s removal had been unjust and without proper procedure.
Onafeko, who had served as Clerk for an extended period, claimed his dismissal was a direct consequence of the political reshuffling within the Assembly following the exit of Obasa. His removal coincided with the election of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, signaling the onset of a turbulent period for the legislature.
“The actions taken against my client were politically motivated and lacked due process,” Nurudeen argued in his application to the court. “Onafeko’s removal was not just unfair, it was unlawful.”
At the heart of the dispute was Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed as the Acting Clerk following Onafeko’s removal. However, this move sparked significant tension within the House, with many lawmakers and political observers questioning the legitimacy of Ottun’s appointment.
The Court’s Shock Ruling
In a ruling that came as a surprise to many, Justice Esowe granted an ex parte injunction in favor of Onafeko. The court ordered that Ottun cease to hold the office of Clerk, effectively reinstating Onafeko to his former position pending the outcome of a full hearing on the matter.
The ruling also directed that “both parties shall maintain peace and revert to the situation that existed before the dispute until the motion on notice is heard and determined,” setting the stage for a full court hearing on March 3, 2024. The judgment was seen as a victory for Onafeko, whose removal had sparked a growing political crisis in Lagos.
“Until the full hearing, it is ordered that the status quo be maintained. The Acting Clerk must vacate his position immediately,” Justice Esowe stated in the ruling.
The Larger Political Context
The legal battle and court ruling are deeply embedded in the ongoing political drama within the Lagos Assembly. Following the removal of Speaker Obasa, there has been an undercurrent of tension between factions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, with some lawmakers accusing others of manipulating the leadership changes for political gain.
Onafeko’s dismissal and the appointment of Ottun had fueled this discord, leading to public protests from certain lawmakers who believed the new leadership did not represent the will of the majority. The ruling, which reinstates Onafeko, is seen by some as a blow to the political forces backing Ottun’s ascension to the Clerk’s office.
The leadership turmoil has reached the public’s ears with widespread reports of a potential rift within the APC, raising questions about the direction of the party and its influence in the state legislature. Political analysts have speculated that the Lagos Assembly could be on the cusp of a full-blown crisis, especially as the court battle intensifies.
“This ruling is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a symptom of the deeper political issues that are now playing out within the House,” said Tunde Adeyemo, a political analyst based in Lagos. “This is a classic power struggle, and we are yet to see the full implications.”
Reactions from Lawmakers and Political Figures
The decision has already drawn mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters of Onafeko have hailed the ruling as a victory for justice and fairness, claiming that it reaffirms the rule of law in the face of political maneuvering. “We believe in the justice system, and today’s ruling is a testament to the fact that the law is still on our side,” said an anonymous lawmaker close to Onafeko.
Meanwhile, those aligned with Speaker Meranda and Ottun have expressed disappointment, arguing that the court’s decision undermines the efforts to bring about much-needed reforms in the Assembly. “The decision is a setback for the progress we were making,” said one APC lawmaker who requested anonymity. “But we will continue to do the work that is necessary for the people of Lagos.”
The ruling is expected to fuel even more public debate about the legality of the actions taken in the aftermath of Obasa’s ouster. As the court prepares to hear the motion on March 3, all eyes will be on the Lagos Assembly to see if the situation will escalate further.
A State in Political Flux
This latest legal development comes on the heels of multiple controversies surrounding the Lagos Assembly, which has been grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. The legislature, once seen as a pillar of the ruling APC, now finds itself at the center of an unprecedented crisis.
Earlier this month, reports emerged of 27 members of the Assembly reportedly planning to defect from the APC to the Labour Party, further heightening the tension within the Assembly. This rumor, though unconfirmed, has added another layer of uncertainty to the already volatile situation.
As the political landscape in Lagos continues to evolve, the reinstatement of Olalekan Onafeko could be just one of many legal and political battles yet to come. What remains clear is that the Lagos State House of Assembly is currently embroiled in one of the most dramatic chapters of its recent history.
Looking Ahead
With the court set to hear the full motion on March 3, the next phase of this legal and political drama is sure to captivate not just the political elite, but the general public as well. Will the reinstatement of Onafeko lead to a resolution, or will it deepen the divisions within the Assembly and the APC? Only time will tell.
For now, the political temperature in Lagos remains high, and the battle for control of the state legislature appears far from over. As events continue to unfold, all eyes are on the Lagos Assembly—an institution that, for now, seems to be teetering on the edge of a larger political reckoning.
