Thirty-five lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a legal case filed by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The lawmakers, who supported his removal, were present as the court prepared to deliberate on the matter.
Obasa had approached the court to challenge his removal, which took place on January 13, 2025, while he was reportedly out of the country. In an application dated February 12, 2025, his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argued that the decision to remove him was not lawful.
Meanwhile, the legal team representing Speaker Mojisola Meranda includes lead counsel Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), along with other senior lawyers such as Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN), Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Mr. Olumide Oyewole, and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.
As of the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had already taken their seats in preparation for the court session.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned what it described as an illegal attempt by Obasa to reconvene a plenary session on Thursday. In a statement released by the media office of the Speaker, the House accused the former Speaker of attempting to hold an unsanctioned sitting with only three other lawmakers.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members,” the statement read.
The House further explained that for a plenary session to be valid, there must be a formal notice to all members, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority. According to the statement, none of these conditions were met, making the session unconstitutional and without effect.
The House reaffirmed its support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda, dismissing rumors of her resignation. It also stated that it remains committed to upholding legislative integrity and will continue working in the best interest of Lagosians.
“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance,” the statement added.
