Showdown Begins: Obasa’s Legal Team Takes Impeachment Battle To Court

The legal team representing the ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has confirmed it will proceed to court today (Friday) to challenge his removal from office and seek his reinstatement.

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, and filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court on February 14, 2025, disputing the legality of his removal. The suit names the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly as defendants, following several unsuccessful political efforts between Lagos and Abuja to resolve the leadership crisis.

Despite an alleged directive from President Bola Tinubu for Obasa’s reinstatement, the Assembly remains split, with lawmakers reportedly concerned about potential repercussions if Obasa returns to office.

Obasa’s legal team is challenging the legitimacy of the plenary session that led to his impeachment, arguing it was unlawfully held during the Assembly’s recess without proper authorization. The lawsuit contends that the sitting violated Sections 36, 90(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and contravened the House’s Rules and Standing Orders, particularly Order V Rule 18(2) and Order II Rule 9(i-viii).

Obasa’s counsel, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), reiterated their intention to continue the legal proceedings unless instructed otherwise. “We have not been debriefed or informed of any change in direction. As lawyers, we will be in court until further notice,” Fashanu told Punch on Thursday.