Power Move: Obasa Dumps Legal Counsel In Ongoing Assembly Crisis Case

At the Ikeja High Court, where the case is being heard, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro adjourned proceedings to March 17 following fresh applications from the involved parties.

Obasa’s lawsuit challenges his January 13, 2025 removal over allegations of fraud, authoritarianism, abuse of power, and gross misconduct.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Obasa’s lead counsel, Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), clarified that the new filings were in response to claims made in court the previous Friday. A key argument in the case revolves around whether Obasa was in the country at the time of his impeachment.

“We have provided evidence,” Fasanu stated.

However, the decision to change the Assembly’s legal team without consulting the majority of lawmakers has intensified the crisis. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), representing the 35 lawmakers, condemned the move as illegal.

“A plaintiff cannot impose a lawyer on the defendants,” Falana argued.
“The 35 lawmakers have chosen our team to represent them, and we are acting on their instructions.”

The legal battle is part of a larger power struggle within the Lagos Assembly. Obasa was ousted in January and replaced by then-Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, who later resigned on March 3, leading to Obasa’s controversial reinstatement.

With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on the March 17 court hearing, where the legality of Obasa’s impeachment and reinstatement will be scrutinized.