Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has scheduled March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications in the legal battle filed by former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging his removal from office.
The lawsuit, filed on February 14, 2025, has drawn significant attention due to the political implications surrounding the Assembly’s leadership. Obasa, who previously led the House, has taken legal action against the Lagos State Government and the Assembly, arguing that due process was not followed in his ousting.
His suit also lists the new Speaker, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, as a defendant, further intensifying the political rift within the legislative body. The former Speaker is seeking judicial intervention for either his reinstatement or redress for what he describes as an injustice against him.
At the court session on Friday, a new development emerged as lawmakers loyal to Speaker Meranda filed an application to be joined as defendants in the case. Their move signals a united front in support of Meranda’s leadership and appears to be a countermeasure against Obasa’s claims. The application further highlights the division within the Assembly, with both factions gearing up for a legal showdown.
The suit is expected to test the judiciary’s interpretation of legislative procedures and constitutional provisions governing the removal of a Speaker. Analysts believe the ruling could set a precedent for future leadership disputes within state assemblies. Observers also suggest that the case could impact the stability of the House, depending on the court’s decision on Obasa’s claims.
With the next hearing now set for March 7, stakeholders from both political and legal circles will closely follow the proceedings. The outcome could determine not just Obasa’s fate but also the broader political dynamics within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
