Despite the settlement, Obasa has refused to back down on his lawsuit challenging the legality of the proceedings that led to his removal
By Titilope Adako
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has made it clear that he will not withdraw his lawsuit against former Speaker Mojisola Meranda and other lawmakers, despite pressure from political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu.
Obasa, who was reinstated as Speaker after a fierce leadership battle, had earlier been removed from office on January 13, 2025.
His removal paved the way for Meranda to become the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, but her 49-day tenure was marked by tension as Obasa fought to reclaim his position.
The crisis was eventually settled by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to Obasa’s return.
As part of the reconciliation process, all 40 lawmakers of the House met with President Tinubu in Abuja on March 12, 2025, where the President reportedly facilitated a truce between Obasa and Meranda.
Legal Battle Continues Despite Political Intervention
Despite the settlement, Obasa has refused to back down on his lawsuit challenging the legality of the proceedings that led to his removal.
His counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), confirmed that they are awaiting the court’s judgment and have no intention of withdrawing the case.
“We are just waiting for the judgment. The court will communicate the date to us,” Fashanu said on Sunday.
When asked whether Obasa might reconsider, he dismissed the idea, stating, “We have concluded. You’re twisting the hand of the clock back. We have concluded arguments; that one does not arise again. He’s not withdrawing.”
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has already reserved judgment on the matter, having heard various preliminary objections from the defendants’ legal team.
The court has yet to announce a date for the ruling.
Lagos Assembly Remains Inactive Amid Crisis
Since Obasa’s re-election, the Lagos Assembly has not held any plenary sessions.
On March 3, 2025, he adjourned sittings indefinitely, effectively pausing the legislative activities of the state.
When contacted last Tuesday, Clerk of the House, Ottun Babatunde, indicated that the Assembly might reconvene after the Sallah break.
“We adjourned sine die (indefinitely), but (we will) likely (resume) after Sallah by God’s grace,” Babatunde said.
For now, the political uncertainty continues as lawmakers and stakeholders await the court’s decision on Obasa’s suit.
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