OBASA SUIT- Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has decided to postpone the hearing of a suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, until March 17, 2025. This move comes as a result of recent developments in the case, which center on serious allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and misconduct leveled against Obasa following his controversial removal on January 13, 2025.
The dispute began when Obasa was challenged by 35 lawmakers who accused him of high-handedness and gross misconduct, prompting his removal from the Speaker’s position. However, following an intervention by the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, Obasa was reinstated as Speaker, while former Speaker Mojisola Meranda was asked to step down and resume the role of Deputy Speaker. Despite the political resolution that restored his position, Obasa chose not to let the matter rest, filing a suit that has since become known as the Obasa Suit. His decision to pursue legal action, even after reinstatement, signals that he seeks not only vindication of his actions but also a resolution to the broader issues of accountability within the Assembly.
During the court proceedings on Monday, counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed Justice Pinheiro that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had submitted additional affidavits. These new documents, served on the same day as the hearing, introduce further allegations and require a response from the opposing side. Falana emphasized that the newly submitted affidavits challenge his clients, thereby complicating an already intricate case. At the same time, counsel for former Speaker Meranda, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), pointed out that the affidavits contained serious fraud allegations aimed at his client. Oyetibo stressed that these allegations necessitate additional time to prepare an adequate response, prompting his request for an adjournment.
UPDATE: Lagos Lawmakers Reject Obasa, Reaffirm Meranda as Speaker
Understanding the Obasa Suit
The legal wrangling in the Obasa Suit has drawn in multiple legal experts and has become a focal point of controversy within the Lagos politics. Not only does the case involve intricate legal arguments, but it also reflects the deep-seated political tensions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Adding to the complexity of the matter, Olusola Idowu (SAN) has recently entered the proceedings as the incoming counsel for the House of Assembly. His participation is viewed as a reinforcement for the Assembly’s legal position in this challenging dispute. Meanwhile, Falana has urged the court to first consider an application for a change of counsel before delving into the remaining legal questions. He cited a Court of Appeal decision which mandates that any application for a change in counsel should be addressed prior to other issues in the case.
Justice Pinheiro agreed to hear all pending applications on the Obasa Suit together on the adjourned date, March 17, 2025. This includes requests for injunctions, challenges to the court’s jurisdiction, and the application concerning the change of counsel. In her ruling, the judge also instructed all parties involved to file, serve, and exchange their legal processes well before the next hearing. This directive is intended to ensure that the case proceeds in a structured manner, despite the many complex issues that have been raised.
The fallout from this case is already evident in the heated debates and emotional sessions that have taken place within the Assembly. Many lawmakers expressed their support for Meranda, acknowledging that her decision to step down was made in favor of party unity rather than personal concession. Yet, the political intervention that led to Obasa’s reinstatement has not healed all the wounds. Instead, it appears to have set the stage for a prolonged legal and political confrontation, as evidenced by the ongoing discussions in court and the numerous allegations that continue to emerge.
BREAKING! Peace in Lagos Assembly; Meranda is Sworn as Deputy, Obasa Re-instated as Speaker
