Obasa had approached the court after his sudden removal, challenging the legality of the decision and the manner in which the House conducted the change in leadership. In his suit, he argued that due process was not followed and that his removal violated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the House Standing Orders.
Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has overturned the removal of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing the process as unconstitutional, illegal, and invalid.
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, the court also nullified all proceedings and resolutions taken by the House on January 13, 2025 — the day Obasa was controversially ousted. The ruling effectively voids the session that saw the emergence of Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
Obasa had approached the court after his sudden removal, challenging the legality of the decision and the manner in which the House conducted the change in leadership. In his suit, he argued that due process was not followed and that his removal violated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the House Standing Orders.
The crisis began earlier in January when some lawmakers accused Obasa of high-handedness, alleged financial impropriety, and failure to carry members along in critical legislative decisions. The internal rift led to a hastily convened plenary session where 26 out of the 40-member Assembly reportedly supported a motion for his impeachment. The session, which many critics described as lacking transparency and constitutional backing, led to Meranda’s election as Speaker.
However, in its ruling, the court emphasized that the process used to remove Obasa did not comply with laid-down constitutional procedures. The judge maintained that legislative leadership changes must follow due process and reflect both the letter and spirit of democratic governance.
Obasa, who has served as Speaker since 2015 and represents Agege Constituency I, has been a prominent figure in Lagos politics. Despite facing multiple allegations in the past — including scrutiny over financial records by anti-graft agencies — he remained politically resilient and enjoyed backing from key political figures within the state.
Following the judgment, legal analysts say the decision reaffirms the independence of the judiciary and could have far-reaching implications for legislative procedures across the country. It is yet to be seen whether the House will appeal the ruling or comply fully with the court’s directives.
The reinstated Speaker has not issued an official statement, but sources close to him say he is focused on ensuring the stability of the House and mending fences with aggrieved lawmakers.
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