Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has nullified the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, declaring the action unconstitutional and invalid.
In her ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Pinheiro annulled all proceedings and resolutions made by the Assembly on January 13, 2025—the day Obasa was controversially ousted. The court’s decision follows a suit filed by Obasa on February 12, 2025, through his legal representative, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN). The suit listed the Lagos State House of Assembly and the newly installed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as defendants.
Obasa argued that his removal took place unlawfully while the Assembly was on recess and during his absence from the country. He contended that the session during which the change in leadership occurred lacked legal authority, and there was no formal delegation of powers from his office to justify the proceedings.
The legal challenge was grounded on nine key points, invoking provisions from the amended 1999 Constitution and the House’s Rules and Standing Orders. After thorough examination, the court found the process of his removal flawed and lacking constitutional backing.
As a result, the court’s judgment reinstates Mudashiru Obasa as the legitimate Speaker and voids all decisions made during the disputed session.
This ruling marks a significant turn in Lagos politics, restoring Obasa to his leadership position and raising questions about the legality of internal Assembly processes.
