Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing of a lawsuit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to March 17, 2025.
Obasa is challenging his removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, following allegations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and misconduct leveled by 35 lawmakers.
The respondents in the suit include members of the House of Assembly and former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
At Monday’s proceedings, Femi Falana (SAN), counsel for the House of Assembly, informed the court that Obasa’s legal team had served further affidavits on the same day. Falana stated, “The claimant’s counsel served us further affidavits today, challenging my clients to respond.”
Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), representing Meranda, also acknowledged the affidavits, stating, “There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits my learned brother referred to. We shall be asking for an adjournment to respond to the new application.”
Justice Pinheiro ruled that all applications, including those related to the change of counsel, injunctions, and jurisdiction challenges, would be heard together on the next adjourned date.
The dispute has been fueled by political intervention, leading to Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker, with Meranda stepping down to return to her position as Deputy Speaker.
Despite the political resolution, Obasa has maintained his lawsuit, suggesting ongoing tension between him and the lawmakers.