Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has ruled in favor of joining all members of the Lagos House of Assembly in the suit filed by former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The decision came after the lawmakers, represented by their counsel, Olu Daramola (SAN), filed an application requesting their inclusion in the case. Neither Obasa’s lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), nor the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), opposed the request.
The court adjourned the case until March 7 for the hearing of all pending applications.
Obasa, who was removed as Speaker on January 13, 2025, while reportedly out of the country, argues that his removal was unlawful as the Lagos Assembly was on recess at the time. His suit seeks the court’s declaration that the Assembly violated constitutional procedures by holding proceedings during recess without his authorization or delegation.
In his application dated February 12, 2025, Obasa also requested an accelerated hearing to ensure minimal disruption to legislative activities in Lagos.
During the proceedings, a dispute arose when lawyer Abang Mkpandiok challenged Femi Falana (SAN), who had earlier announced his representation of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Mkpandiok claimed he had been briefed the previous night and had already filed a motion to replace Falana as the Assembly’s counsel.
However, Falana objected, arguing that he had not been served any motion, and Oyetibo echoed the same position. Justice Pinheiro ruled that the motion for a change of counsel was not yet ready for hearing since not all parties had been served.
Obasa is seeking:
A declaration that his removal was unconstitutional.
An order for an expedited hearing to determine the legality of the Assembly’s current leadership.
A restriction on the time allowed for responses to seven days, with replies limited to three days.
The case raises critical questions about legislative authority, due process, and internal Assembly governance in Lagos State.
