Tensions remain high in the Lagos State House of Assembly as 35 lawmakers arrived at the Lagos State High Court on Friday for the hearing of a case filed by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa challenging his removal.
Obasa, who was ousted on January 13, 2025, by at least 36 of his colleagues while reportedly out of the country, had filed a suit through his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), seeking to overturn the decision.
The matter, scheduled for hearing on February 12, 2025, has drawn significant attention as it could determine the leadership of the Assembly.
The legal team representing Speaker Mojisola Meranda is led by Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and includes top legal practitioners 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.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned what it described as an attempted illegal plenary session by Obasa and a small faction of lawmakers on Thursday.
In a statement released by Hon. Steve Ogundipe, the Assembly emphasized that the session was unconstitutional and lacked legislative effect, as it failed to meet the procedural requirements such as formal notice, quorum, an approved agenda, and the presence of the mace.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority. None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only five out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the statement read.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to upholding legislative integrity and maintaining stability, stressing that Speaker Mojisola Meranda remains in office with the support of 36 lawmakers.
The Assembly further pledged to work closely with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a peaceful resolution of the crisis, affirming its dedication to democratic governance and the interests of Lagosians.
The unfolding legal battle is expected to shape the future of the Lagos Assembly, with political analysts closely watching the court proceedings and the potential impact on the state’s legislative landscape.