The ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn as 36 lawmakers have stood firm in their counterclaims that the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was constitutional. At the Ikeja High Court on Friday, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro adjourned the case to March 10, directing all parties to file and serve their processes ahead of the next hearing.
The suit, filed by Obasa, challenges his removal from office on January 13, 2025, over allegations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. Obasa’s lead counsel, Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), argued that his client was denied a fair hearing during the impeachment process, asserting that “the allegations contained in the notice of his removal must still be addressed.”
In contrast, the legal team representing 34 lawmakers, led by Romeo Ese-Michael, maintained that Obasa’s removal was valid under Section 92 of the 1999 Constitution and in line with the Assembly’s rules. “Even if the claimant withdraws his suit due to his reinstatement, our counterclaim still stands,” Ese-Michael stated, emphasizing that the lawmakers seek judicial affirmation of the impeachment.
Obasa was initially removed from office on January 13, 2025, with his then-deputy, Mojisola Meranda, stepping in as Speaker. However, following Meranda’s resignation on March 3, Obasa was reinstated, a move that has only deepened the power struggle within the Assembly.
With both sides holding their ground, the forthcoming court ruling on March 10 is expected to shape the future leadership dynamics of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor this evolving story and provide exclusive updates as the political saga unfolds.
