Twenty-nine lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived at the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for the hearing of a suit brought against the House and its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, by the removed Speaker of the House.
Hon. Mudashiru Obasa had gone to court to challenge his removal by the lawmakers on 13 January 2025.
In the application dated 12 February 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), the plaintiff claimed that he was removed from his position on 13 January 2025 by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country.
Lawyers representing Speaker Mojisola Meranda include lead counsel, Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).
Other counsel to the lawmakers are: 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.
At the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had taken their seats in preparation for the hearing.
Meanwhile, the House has condemned what it described as an invasion on Thursday.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members.
“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 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the House said in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Hon. Steve Ogundipe.
The statement added that the House remains steadfast in upholding the integrity of the legislature and is committed to maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.
“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of 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 said.
The House stated that it aligns with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in working towards a constructive resolution of misunderstandings, adding that the House will continue to work in the interest of Lagosians.
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