Former Lagos Speaker Obasa Sues Assembly, New Speaker Over Impeachment

 

Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has filed a lawsuit against the Assembly and its newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, challenging the legality of his removal from office.

Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, argues that the process was unconstitutional as it occurred while the Assembly was on recess. His lawsuit, filed before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, seeks a declaration that his impeachment was unlawful and exceeded the lawmakers’ powers.

In a legal application dated February 12, 2025, and submitted by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa contends that 36 lawmakers removed him from office while he was out of the country. He is requesting an expedited hearing and asking the court to limit the defendants’ time to respond to seven days, while his own response window would be three days.

His case hinges on provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Lagos Assembly’s Rules and Standing Orders, arguing that the Assembly could not have legally convened during recess without his authorization or proper delegation of authority.

Obasa insists that the matter is of public interest and needs urgent resolution to prevent disruptions in the legislature’s functions.

Following his impeachment over alleged misconduct and other infractions, Obasa returned to Lagos on January 25 to a rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja. He maintains that due process was not followed and claims that his removal was politically orchestrated while he was abroad.

He further alleges that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police played a role in his impeachment, accusing security operatives of storming the Assembly complex and his residences in Agege and Ikeja with over 200 officers, restricting his family indoors.

Denying all allegations of financial misappropriation, Obasa is now seeking legal redress. No date has been set for the hearing of the case.