The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since January 13, 2025, when Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker by 33 lawmakers while he was away in the United States.
Mojisola Meranda was subsequently declared the new Speaker. However, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), has revealed that his client will decide whether to withdraw the suit filed against Meranda and the Assembly.
The suit, filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, challenges the constitutionality of the House’s sitting and proceedings during a recess without the Speaker’s reconvening or delegation of authority. The court has fixed March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications in the matter.
Obasa’s removal was attributed to abuse of office, financial misappropriations, and misconduct. However, his lawyer claims that the removal was unconstitutional. The crisis has led to a polarized Assembly, with both Obasa and Meranda claiming the Speakership.
Meranda resigned as Speaker on Monday, paving the way for Obasa’s re-election. In her resignation speech, Meranda emphasized the need for selfless sacrifice in leadership and stated that her decision was made to prevent further crisis within the Assembly.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State has attempted to resolve the crisis, but to no avail. The GAC believes that only President Bola Tinubu can intervene effectively to resolve the issue.
The leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly has raised concerns about the stability of the state’s legislative arm. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Obasa will withdraw his suit and what implications this will have for the Assembly’s future.
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