Lagos Assembly Showdown: Factions Clash in Court Over Speaker’s Removal
The political drama in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a new turn on Friday as lawmakers loyal to Speaker Mojisola Meranda arrived at the state high court for a legal showdown with former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging his removal.
Obasa was ousted from his position on January 13 by 36 out of the 40-member assembly. However, he has refused to accept his dismissal, insisting he remains the legitimate speaker. In a legal challenge filed by his lawyer, Afolabi Fasharu, on February 12, Obasa argued that due process was not followed in his removal, which occurred while he was out of the country.
The political standoff escalated dramatically on February 27 when Obasa stormed the assembly complex, presided over a plenary session with just four lawmakers, and attempted to reclaim his seat.
On Friday, 26 lawmakers opposed to Obasa’s return gathered at the court, reinforcing their stance that his removal was valid. They condemned his February 27 appearance in the assembly, labeling it an “invasion.”
“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,” said Steven Ogundipe, the assembly’s spokesperson.
Ogundipe emphasized that Obasa’s so-called plenary session did not meet the legal requirements for a valid sitting.
“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,” he stated.
He further noted that with only five lawmakers present, the session was “unconstitutional and without legislative effect.”
