Embattled Lagos lawmaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has approached the court to challenge his removal as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa has filed a lawsuit against the Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, before a State High Court in Ikeja, claiming that the process of his removal was unconstitutional since it took place while the Assembly was on recess.
In a motion dated February 12, 2025, Obasa, through his legal counsel led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, sought an order for an accelerated hearing of the case.
Obasa, who was out of the country at the time, was removed from office on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers. Upon his return, he challenged the removal and insisted that he remained the Speaker.
The lawsuit is based on several constitutional provisions, including Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
A section of the motion reads: “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.”
While the case awaits a court date, the legal battle over Obasa’s removal continues to unfold, raising questions about the internal processes of the Lagos State House of Assembly.