Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has initiated legal proceedings at the Lagos State High Court, seeking his immediate reinstatement after his controversial impeachment on January 13, 2025.
According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, Obasa argues that his removal from office was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. The suit, filed on February 14, 2025, names the current Speaker, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly as defendants.
Political Tensions and Failed Reconciliation Efforts
Obasa’s legal challenge comes in the wake of unsuccessful political negotiations between Lagos and Abuja aimed at resolving the leadership crisis. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s reported directive for Obasa’s reinstatement, lawmakers have remained resistant, allegedly fearing political retaliation should he return to office.
The prolonged deadlock has tested Tinubu’s influence in Lagos politics. Frustrated by the impasse, the president recently refused to meet with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos APC, accusing them of disregarding his directive.
Legal Grounds for Obasa’s Case
In his lawsuit, Obasa questions the legitimacy of the plenary session during which he was impeached, arguing that it was held unlawfully while the Assembly was in recess. He asserts that proper authorization was not given for the session, rendering the impeachment invalid.
“The action challenged the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly to sit during recess without reconvening the House or giving any other person powers to reconvene the House,” the court filing states.
Obasa contends that the session violated several constitutional provisions, including Sections 36, 90(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He also claims it breached the Lagos State House of Assembly Rules and Standing Orders, specifically Order V Rule 18(2) and Order II Rule 9(i-viii).
Internal Resistance and Political Fallout
Despite Tinubu’s backing for Obasa’s return, strong opposition remains within the Lagos APC. Prominent party figures, including Muraina Akanbi Taiwo, a GAC member, have openly rejected moves to reinstate the impeached Speaker.
“Moves to reinstate Mr. Obasa would be rejected. Mr. Tinubu is not God in the state,” Taiwo stated, underscoring growing internal divisions within the ruling party.
As the legal and political battles unfold, the fate of Lagos’ legislative leadership remains uncertain, with Obasa’s lawsuit poised to test both the judiciary’s stance on the impeachment and Tinubu’s continued influence over Lagos politics.
