Obasa vs. Lagos Assembly: Court Adjourns Case Until Monday

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on Friday adjourned the suit filed by Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, challenging his removal as Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, to Monday. The court will hear all new and pending applications related to the case.

Justice Pinheiro directed all parties to file and serve necessary legal documents before the next hearing. Among the pending applications, the Deputy Speaker and 36 lawmakers are requesting the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that it has become an academic exercise.

Two new legal representatives, Olusola Idowu and Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), have also joined the case on behalf of the four lawmakers who opposed Obasa’s impeachment. They have pending applications awaiting review.

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Following deliberations, Justice Pinheiro adjourned the matter to Monday, citing the need for justice.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, Obasa’s counsel, Fashanu, reiterated that his client is contesting both the legality of his removal and the allegations listed in the impeachment notice. The accusations include fraud, abuse of office, high-handedness, and gross misconduct. Fashanu emphasized that Obasa was not given a fair hearing.

Meanwhile, Romeo Michael, a lawyer representing 34 lawmakers recently added to the suit, stated that their counterclaim argues Obasa’s removal was constitutional under Section 92 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, rather than being subject to Lagos Assembly rules.

In his suit, Obasa maintains that his removal was unlawful, as the Assembly was in recess when the impeachment occurred. According to his legal filing dated February 12, 2025, he was ousted on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country.