By Dansu Peter A fresh controversy has erupted in Lagos as allegations surface regarding a pre-written court judgment designed to invalidat...
By Dansu Peter
According to Vanguard, the Agenda for New Lagos (ANL), a pro-democracy group, raised the alarm in a press release issued by its Protem Chairman, Kamal Olorunnisola. The group alleged that the judgment, which is expected to overturn Obasa’s removal, has already been prepared and will be delivered after a court hearing scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025.
ANL alleged that lawmakers were initially led to believe that Obasa would step aside voluntarily after his deputy, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was named Speaker. However, the group claims that this was merely a ploy to buy time. Obasa, it alleged, had no intention of resigning but instead adjourned the Assembly indefinitely, awaiting the court’s ruling to legitimize his return.
The group further claimed that despite an earlier promise to withdraw his legal challenge, Obasa’s case continued because the judgment had already been arranged to nullify his removal. “All machinery has been put in place to ensure the judgment is delivered in his favor,” the statement alleged.
In a further twist, ANL also spotlighted the controversial promotion of Lagos Assembly Clerk, Olalekan Biilamin Onafeko, as a key element in the crisis. The group provided a letter signed by Mrs. Folashade Latona, which granted Onafeko “special advancement” to the position of Deputy Director in 2022. ANL contended that such a promotion required the governor’s direct approval, raising questions about its legality.
“The so-called ‘special advancement’ was not signed by the governor, as required by law. Instead, it was done through the back door, further exposing the impunity of Obasa’s administration,” the group stated.
The group warned that the alleged plan to manipulate the judiciary could set a dangerous precedent in Lagos politics. It called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organizations, and pro-democracy advocates to intervene and prevent what it described as an abuse of the judicial process.
“If this orchestrated judgment stands, it means Obasa was never removed, Meranda was never Speaker, and Onafeko will be reinstated against the wishes of the Assembly. This is nothing short of an institutional coup against democracy in Lagos,” the statement warned.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the judiciary and the legal battle ahead. Will the alleged plot succeed, or will Lagos lawmakers and civil society groups resist what they see as an attempt to subvert due process? The coming days will determine whether Lagos is witnessing a power struggle or a well-executed legal maneuver to entrench Obasa's leadership.
No comments