Obasa Drags Mojisola Meranda, Lagos State Assembly To Court

In POLITICS, SLIDE
February 15, 2025
Henryrich
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Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has initiated legal action at the Lagos State High Court, demanding his immediate reinstatement to the position of Speaker. Court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette reveal that Obasa asserts his removal from office on January 13, 2025, was illegal. The lawsuit, filed on

Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has initiated legal action at the Lagos State High Court, demanding his immediate reinstatement to the position of Speaker. Court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette reveal that Obasa asserts his removal from office on January 13, 2025, was illegal.

The lawsuit, filed on February 14, 2025, names the current Speaker, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly as defendants.

This legal step comes after multiple unsuccessful political negotiations between Lagos and Abuja to address the leadership dispute. Despite President Bola Tinubu‘s instruction to reinstate Obasa, the deadlock continues, with legislators reportedly concerned about potential reprisals from the former Speaker if he resumes his role.

In his legal challenge, Obasa questions the legality of the plenary session that led to his impeachment, claiming it was improperly conducted during the Assembly’s recess without due authorization. The court filing states: “The lawsuit contests the validity of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s session and proceedings held during recess, without formally reconvening the House or delegating authority to any individual to do so.”

Obasa argues that the session contravened Sections 36, 90(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the Lagos State House of Assembly Rules and Standing Orders, specifically Order V Rule 18(2) and Order II Rule 9(i-viii).

Reports indicate that the leadership crisis has intensified despite President Tinubu’s clear position. Frustrated by the lack of progress in reinstating Obasa, Tinubu recently refused to meet with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos APC, accusing them of disregarding his directive.

Nevertheless, resistance within the party persists. Muraina Akanbi Taiwo, a GAC member, firmly opposed efforts to reinstate Obasa, declaring: “Any attempt to bring Mr. Obasa back will be resisted. Mr. Tinubu does not have absolute authority in the state.”