By Lukman Olabiyi
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has ruled the removal of the reinstated Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Pinheiro nullified the House’s proceedings and resolutions of January 13, which led to Obasa’s ouster.
Obasa had filed a suit against the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda, who was named the new Speaker, challenging the legality of the process that resulted in his removal.
Represented by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, Obasa argued that the decision to remove him was taken by 36 lawmakers while the Assembly was on recess and he was out of the country.
He maintained that the session was invalid, as it was convened without his authority or a formal delegation of power, in violation of the House’s procedures.
The suit was based on nine grounds, referencing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Delivering her judgement on the suit, Justice Pinheiro also voided proceedings and resolutions of the House held on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was ousted.