Lagos Lawmakers Storm Court as Obasa Challenges Impeachment

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Thirty-five lawmakers from Lagos arrived at the Ikeja High Court for the hearing of a case filed by Mudashiru Obasa, who is contesting his removal as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa was impeached while on an official trip to the United States and is now challenging the legality of the process, arguing that it violated constitutional provisions and the Assembly’s internal rules.

On February 14, 2025, Obasa filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court, seeking immediate reinstatement as Speaker. He claims he was unfairly removed from office on January 13, 2025, and has named the current Speaker, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly as defendants in the case.

In his legal challenge, Obasa disputes the legitimacy of the plenary session that led to his impeachment, asserting that it was unlawfully conducted during the Assembly’s recess without proper authorization. Court documents state, “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.”

Obasa further argues that the impeachment process breached several sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Sections 36, 90(2)(c), 101, and 311. He also claims that the Assembly failed to adhere to its own Rules and Standing Orders, specifically Order V Rule 18(2) and Order II Rule 9(i-viii).

Following Obasa’s removal, lawmakers elected Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker. However, Obasa has refused to recognize her authority and continues to challenge the leadership change. In a bold move, he returned to the Assembly chambers on Thursday, insisting that he had resumed his position as Speaker despite his impeachment.

The case is currently being presided over by Hon. Justice Y.R. Pinheiro.