Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has taken legal action to challenge his removal from office, insisting that due process was not followed.
Obasa filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja against the Assembly and his successor, Mojisola Meranda, arguing that his impeachment while the House was in recess was unconstitutional.
In a motion dated February 12, 2025, Obasa’s legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), requested an expedited hearing of the case.
The former Speaker, who was out of the country at the time of his removal on January 13 over allegations of misconduct, has maintained that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
“I strongly believe I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it.
“I’m a Muslim and I believe in fate. But let’s do it the way it should be done,” Obasa said while speaking at a welcome event held in his honour at Ikeja GRA recently.
His legal action seeks several reliefs, including an order for the court to set a date for a swift hearing of the case and a directive that the defendants file their response within seven days.
He also requested that his own reply to any counter-affidavits be submitted within three days.
Obasa’s case is built on the interpretation of various constitutional provisions and the Lagos State House of Assembly’s Standing Orders.
“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.
“Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the state are not stalled.
“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination.
“This Honourable Court is imbued with inherent powers to grant accelerated hearing and abridgment of time,” the motion read partly.
Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.
Lagos Political Crisis Worsens As Ex-Speaker Sues Assembly Over Impeachment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
