Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a dramatic turn of events, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro on Wednesday, nullified all proceedings and resolutions passed during the controversial January session that resulted in Obasa’s ouster.
This development marks a major political shift within the Assembly and raises critical questions about due process and internal legislative governance.
The controversy began in January when 36 lawmakers convened an impromptu session during the Assembly’s official recess while Obasa was reportedly outside the country.
In his absence, the lawmakers voted to remove him and appointed Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
Obasa, through his counsel Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), challenged the legitimacy of the session, arguing that it was unauthorized, procedurally flawed, and in violation of both the Standing Orders of the House and key provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
He emphasized that no formal delegation of authority had been issued to convene such a session, rendering the proceedings null and void.
Justice Pinheiro, in siding with Obasa, agreed that the process leading to his removal was fundamentally flawed. The court held that legislative business must comply with the Assembly’s established rules and the Constitution.
The judgment not only reinstates Obasa but also effectively invalidates Meranda’s appointment as Speaker and the decisions made during the disputed session.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the internal operations of the Lagos State House of Assembly and could influence future power struggles within legislative chambers across Nigeria.
