“Mudashiru Obasa Challenges His Removal as Lagos Speaker in Court”

Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled lawmaker, has taken legal action in a bid to challenge his removal as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa has approached the Ikeja High Court, filing a suit against the Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. He argues that his ousting was unlawful, as it occurred while the Assembly was on recess.

In a motion dated February 12, 2025, Obasa, represented by his legal team led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, has requested the court to fast-track the hearing of the case. The motion was filed after Obasa returned from abroad and vehemently declared that he remained the rightful Speaker.

Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025, was carried out by 36 lawmakers while he was away. Upon his return, he challenged the legality of the process, asserting that he was still the Speaker. The former Speaker has asked the court to set a date for the swift hearing of his case and for an expedited timeline for filing and responding to documents related to the suit.

The application, filed on February 13, 2025, highlights Obasa’s desire for a fast resolution. His legal team has requested the court to set a deadline of just seven days for the defendants to respond with counter-affidavits and written addresses. Furthermore, the lawmaker is asking the court to allow only three days for his team to reply to legal points raised by the opposing side.

At the heart of Obasa’s case is an interpretation of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311. The case also touches on the rules and standing orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which Obasa believes were violated when the Assembly sat during its recess without his consent.

The motion argues that this case requires urgent attention to avoid disrupting legislative activities in the state, stressing the public interest in a timely resolution. Obasa contends that the legality of the Assembly’s actions under its new leadership needs to be urgently addressed by the court.

As of now, a date for the hearing has not been set, and the court will soon decide whether to grant Obasa’s request for an expedited process.