Breaking: Lagos Assembly Clerk Wins Legal Battle, Court Overturns Dismissal

The National Industrial Court in Lagos has ordered the reinstatement of Olalekan Onafeko as Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, overturning his removal amid the recent leadership crisis in the state legislature.

Justice M. N. Esowe granted an ex parte application filed by Onafeko’s counsel, Yusuf Nurudeen, directing Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed as his replacement, to immediately stop acting as Clerk pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

The case, registered as NICN/LA/23/2025, lists the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, the Speaker of the House, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, and Babatunde Ottun as defendants.

Leadership Crisis and Political Turmoil

Onafeko’s removal on January 13, 2025, followed the controversial ouster of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the subsequent election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker. Obasa’s removal triggered political unrest within the Lagos State House of Assembly and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to administrative shake-ups, including Onafeko’s replacement with Ottun.

Challenging his dismissal, Onafeko argued in his suit that the decision was politically motivated and unconstitutional. He sought an interim injunction to prevent Ottun or any other individual from assuming the role of Clerk until a motion for an interlocutory injunction is heard.

Justice Esowe ruled in Onafeko’s favor, ordering that the status quo ante bellum (the state of affairs before the dispute) be maintained.

“The parties shall maintain peace and the status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined,” the judge declared.

The ruling effectively nullifies Ottun’s appointment, preventing him from carrying out any Clerk-related duties.

The court has scheduled the hearing of the motion on notice for March 3, 2025.