news
Lagos Speaker Crisis: Legal Teams at Odds as Court Hearing Date Announced
A courtroom drama unfolded on Friday at the Lagos State High Court as two lawyers simultaneously claimed to represent the Lagos State House of Assembly in a suit filed by Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, challenging his removal as Speaker.
Obasa, in suit ID/9047GCM/2025, is contesting the constitutionality of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s sitting and proceedings held during a recess—without the Speaker’s authorization to reconvene the House.
Represented by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, Obasa is seeking the court’s interpretation of various constitutional provisions, including Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside relevant Lagos State House of Assembly Rules and Standing Orders.
Lawyers Clash Over Representation
When the case was called before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, the legal teams appeared as follows:
- Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN – Representing Obasa
- Mr. Femi Falana, SAN – Representing the Lagos State House of Assembly
- Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN – Representing Mojosola Lasbat Meranda, the current Speaker
- Mr. Olu Daramola, SAN – Representing parties seeking to join the suit
However, a dispute erupted when Abang Mkpandiok challenged Falana’s authority to represent the Lagos Assembly. Mkpandiok claimed he had been briefed the previous night and had filed a motion for a change of counsel, arguing that choosing legal representation is a fundamental right.
Falana objected, insisting he had not been formally debriefed or served any notice regarding the change. Oyetibo also confirmed that no such application had been served.
After reviewing the records, Justice Pinheiro ruled that the application for a change of counsel was not yet ready for hearing, as Mkpandiok himself admitted that not all parties had been served.
The judge also deferred ruling on a separate application for an accelerated hearing, pending compliance with court rules.
BREAKING: Obasa Storms Lagos Assembly as Speakership Battle Heats Up!
33 Lawmakers File to Join the Suit
During the proceedings, Daramola SAN informed the court of a Motion on Notice filed by 33 Lagos State lawmakers, seeking to be joined as co-defendants. The motion, brought under Order 15, Rules 4(1) & 16(3), and Order 43, Rule 1 of the Lagos State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, requests:
- To add the 33 lawmakers as co-defendants in the suit.
- To amend the originating processes to reflect their inclusion.
Justice Pinheiro has scheduled March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.
Meranda Denies Resignation Rumors
Following the court session, Hon. Mojosola Meranda spoke to journalists, dismissing reports that she had resigned as Speaker.
Lagos Assembly Crisis: 36 Lawmakers Back Meranda with Vote of Confidence