By Dansu Peter In a dramatic show of solidarity, 35 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly arrived at the Lagos State High Court on F...
By Dansu Peter
In a dramatic show of solidarity, 35 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly arrived at the Lagos State High Court on Friday in support of Speaker Mojisola Meranda. The lawmakers are backing Meranda in the ongoing legal battle initiated by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging his removal from office.
Obasa, who was ousted by at least 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, while he was reportedly out of the country, is seeking the court’s intervention to reclaim his position. His case, filed on February 12, 2025, through his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argues that his removal was unlawful.
Representing Speaker Meranda and the House in the case is a formidable legal team led by Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), alongside other senior legal minds, including Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN), Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Mr. Olumide Oyewole, and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.
Legislative Tensions Escalate
The courtroom presence of the 35 lawmakers underscores the deepening political crisis within the Lagos Assembly. Meanwhile, tensions reached a new peak on Thursday when the House condemned what it described as an “unsanctioned attempt” by Obasa and three of his allies to convene a plenary session.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday by House spokesman Hon. Steve Ogundipe, the Assembly declared the move unconstitutional.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority. None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect," the statement read.
Meranda Retains Majority Support
The Assembly reaffirmed its confidence in Speaker Meranda, dismissing rumors of her resignation.
"As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance. Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians. Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues," the statement continued.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
As the court hearing unfolds, the political future of the Lagos Assembly remains uncertain. While Obasa is fighting to reclaim his seat, the majority of lawmakers appear resolute in their decision to move forward under Speaker Meranda’s leadership.
The House also emphasized its alignment with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in seeking a constructive resolution to the crisis.
For now, all eyes remain on the Lagos State High Court, where the fate of the embattled former Speaker will be decided in the coming days.
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