The legal team representing Mudashiru Obasa, the removed Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has categorically stated that they have no intention of withdrawing the lawsuit challenging his impeachment.
Obasa’s lead counsel, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), affirmed on Tuesday that they remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and are fully prepared for the court hearing scheduled for February 28, despite ongoing political interventions aimed at resolving the crisis within the Assembly.
Fashanu stressed that Obasa would not return to his position until a judicial decision is reached. He further argued that any move to reclaim the speakership before the court’s verdict would be unconstitutional and amount to disregarding the legal process.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by a majority of lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly. In response, he filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenging both his removal and the appointment of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
Political Efforts to Resolve the Crisis
Despite various mediation attempts, resolving the leadership tussle within the Assembly has remained a challenge, even for influential political stakeholders. The powerful Governors Advisory Council (GAC), a key decision-making body in Lagos politics, has been actively involved in seeking a resolution.
In a bid to broker peace, President Bola Tinubu reportedly appointed two seasoned political figures—Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, both former governors—to intervene in the matter. These mediators reportedly held marathon meetings from Sunday through Monday in an attempt to negotiate a settlement.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the mediation panel recommended that both Obasa and Meranda step down to allow another lawmaker from the Lagos West Senatorial District to assume the speakership. Additionally, Obasa was allegedly advised to withdraw his legal action and voluntarily resign. The panel is expected to brief President Tinubu on the progress of these interventions.
Obasa’s Legal Team Rejects Political Settlement Claims
Despite these reports, Fashanu dismissed any claims that an agreement had been reached, stating that no official communication had been made to Obasa’s legal team regarding a settlement.
“For us, the intervention remains a mere rumor because we have not received any formal notification on the matter. Everything being reported in the media is yet to be verified, and we cannot speak to its authenticity,” Fashanu told The PUNCH.
He emphasized that their legal strategy remains unchanged: “Our client has not instructed us to withdraw the case. As far as we are concerned, we are proceeding with the lawsuit until we receive any different directive from him.”
Reaffirming the legal team’s commitment, Fashanu added, “Nothing in life is certain except death. However, we will give this case our best effort, as we strongly believe that Obasa has a solid legal argument. Of course, the final decision rests with the judge, but we are prepared.”
Obasa Unlikely to Resign or Take Premature Action
A close associate of Obasa also refuted speculations that the former Speaker would voluntarily step down, stating that such a scenario has not been considered.
When asked whether Obasa might attempt to reclaim his position before the court’s ruling, Fashanu dismissed the possibility, warning that such a move would be unlawful.
“That would mean disregarding the rule of law, and I do not think he would want to do that. If he had any intention of taking back the position forcefully, he would have done so within days of his removal. Instead, he has chosen the legal route, which is the proper course of action,” Fashanu asserted.
With the legal battle set to continue, all eyes remain on the Lagos State High Court, where the outcome of this high-stakes political dispute will ultimately be determined.
