A total of 35 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly arrived at the Lagos State High Court on Friday in solidarity with the incumbent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, seeks to overturn his removal from office.
The lawmakers, who were among the 36 assembly members that voted for Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025, took their seats in the courtroom ahead of the legal proceedings. Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his removal, is challenging the legality of the decision in court.
Obasa’s suit, filed by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argues that his removal did not follow due process. The legal application, dated February 12, 2025, seeks to nullify the decision that led to his ousting.
In response, Speaker Meranda and the Lagos State House of Assembly are being represented by a team of prominent lawyers, including lead counsel Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), alongside 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.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly condemned what it described as an “invasion” of the legislative chambers on Thursday by Obasa and a few loyalists, in an alleged attempt to hold an unsanctioned plenary session.
In an official statement issued on Friday by the Assembly’s spokesman, Hon. Steve Ogundipe, the House reaffirmed that Obasa’s attempt to reconvene the plenary session was unconstitutional and without legislative effect.
“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 five out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the statement read.
The House emphasized that it remains committed to upholding the integrity of the legislature, maintaining parliamentary standards, and ensuring democratic governance.
Dismissing speculations about Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s resignation, the Assembly reiterated its unwavering support for her leadership.
“We reaffirm our support for 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 clarified.
The House further stated that it is working in alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to resolve the crisis constructively, while remaining focused on legislative duties in the interest of Lagosians.
As proceedings continue in court, political analysts say the case could set a precedent for legislative stability in Lagos State, with the judiciary expected to determine the legitimacy of Obasa’s removal in the coming days.
