The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to March 17, 2025. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro made the ruling on Monday after legal representatives requested more time to respond to newly filed affidavits.
Obasa is contesting his removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, following allegations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct leveled against him by 35 lawmakers. The suit names members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda as respondents.
The hearing was initially set for March 10, but it was postponed after Femi Falana (SAN), counsel for the House of Assembly, informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had just served additional affidavits.
“The claimant’s counsel served us further affidavits today, requiring my clients to respond,” Falana told the court.
Similarly, Meranda’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), pointed out that the new filings included serious fraud allegations against his client, requesting more time to prepare a response.
“There are serious fraud allegations in the newly filed affidavits, and we will be seeking an adjournment to properly address them,” Oyetibo stated.
Additionally, Olusola Idowu (SAN) appeared before the court, announcing his role as the incoming counsel for the House of Assembly. However, Falana urged the court to first address the application for a change of counsel before considering any other motions. He cited a Court of Appeal ruling that mandates trial courts to resolve legal representation issues before moving forward with substantive applications.
Justice Pinheiro subsequently ruled that all applications, including those challenging jurisdiction and seeking injunctions, would be heard together on March 17. She also instructed all parties to file, serve, and exchange their legal documents before the next hearing.
Obasa was reinstated as Speaker following an intervention by the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, which convinced Meranda to step down and return to her previous role as Deputy Speaker.
However, Obasa’s decision to proceed with his lawsuit—despite the party’s mediation—suggests that tensions remain unresolved between him and other lawmakers.
In her resignation speech, Meranda clarified that her decision was made in deference to the party’s authority, not out of fear. Lawmakers, in an emotional session, also praised her leadership, emphasizing that their acceptance of Obasa’s reinstatement was based on respect for party unity.
With the legal battle still in play, the next court session could be pivotal in determining the future power dynamics within the Lagos Assembly.
