By Abigail Philip David
A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing of a lawsuit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to March 17, 2025.
Obasa is challenging his removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, after 35 lawmakers accused him of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. The suit names members of the Lagos Assembly and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda as respondents.
Originally set for hearing on March 10, the case was postponed after the House of Assembly’s counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had just served additional affidavits.
“The claimant’s counsel served us further affidavits today, requiring my clients to respond,” Falana told the court.
Similarly, Meranda’s counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), raised concerns over new fraud allegations included in the affidavits.
“There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits. We will be requesting an adjournment to properly respond,” Oyetibo stated.
During proceedings, Olusola Idowu (SAN) was introduced as incoming counsel representing the House of Assembly. Falana, however, urged the court to first determine the application for a change of counsel before addressing other matters, citing a Court of Appeal ruling that requires trial courts to resolve such applications before proceeding with the case.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that all pending applications, including those seeking injunctions and those challenging jurisdiction, would be heard together on March 17, 2025.
“The application concerning the change of counsel will also be addressed on the same day,” Justice Pinheiro stated, directing all parties to file, serve, and exchange their legal documents before the next hearing.
Obasa was reinstated as Speaker following an intervention by the leadership of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC), which also reinstated Meranda as Deputy Speaker. However, Obasa’s decision to continue with the lawsuit, despite the political resolution, signals ongoing tensions within the Assembly.
In her farewell address as Speaker, Meranda clarified that her decision to step down was out of respect for the party’s authority, not weakness.
“I took this decision in deference to the party’s supremacy and not out of cowardice,” she stated.
During the emotionally charged session, several lawmakers praised Meranda, emphasizing that their acceptance of Obasa’s reinstatement was a show of respect for the party’s leadership.
