The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly reached a fever pitch on Friday as 35 of its 40 lawmakers appeared at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker. Obasa, ousted on January 13, 2025, is challenging the legality of his removal, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle that could redefine power dynamics within the state’s legislative arm. The lawmakers’ unified presence in court signals staunch support for Mojisola Meranda, who succeeded Obasa as Speaker, and underscores the deepening rift within the Assembly.
The Impeachment That Sparked the Storm
Mudashiru Obasa’s dramatic fall from grace began on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers over 90% of the Assembly voted to impeach him while he was abroad in the United States. The charges against him were grave: financial misappropriation, gross misconduct, and abuse of office. In his absence, the Assembly swiftly elected Meranda, his deputy, as the new Speaker, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold the position in Lagos. The impeachment, hailed by some as a necessary purge of a controversial figure, was immediately contested by Obasa, who branded it unconstitutional and vowed to fight back.
Upon his return to Nigeria on January 25, 2025, Obasa was greeted by a throng of supporters at his Ikeja residence, where he doubled down on his stance, claiming the process violated legislative rules and the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. His physical reentry into the Assembly complex on February 27, 2025, flanked by armed security operatives, further escalated tensions, as he declared himself the rightful Speaker—a move the Assembly condemned as an “unsanctioned invasion.”
The Legal Showdown
Obasa’s legal challenge, filed on February 14, 2025, hinges on procedural irregularities he alleges tainted his impeachment. Represented by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa argues that the Assembly convened the January 13 plenary session during a recess without proper notice or authorization, rendering it null and void. His lawsuit cites Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the Constitution, alongside the Assembly’s Standing Orders, asserting that only the Speaker or a delegated authority can reconvene the House—a condition he claims was not met.
The case, yet to be assigned a specific judge as of early February, gained momentum with Friday’s court appearance. The sight of 35 lawmakers arriving at the Ikeja High Court sent a powerful message: the majority stands firmly behind Meranda’s leadership. Their presence, documented widely in photos circulating online, was a show of solidarity amid a crisis that has tested the Assembly’s cohesion and autonomy.
A House Divided
The Assembly’s response to Obasa’s February 27 reentry has been unequivocal. In a statement issued by its spokesman, Steve Ogundipe, the House labeled the former Speaker’s actions an “unconstitutional attempt to convene a plenary session” with only five members present—far short of the required quorum. The statement emphasized that a valid sitting demands formal notice, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace, none of which were present during Obasa’s brief takeover. “The rules are clear,” Ogundipe asserted, dismissing the move as having “no legislative effect.”
This standoff highlights a broader schism. Obasa, a veteran lawmaker representing Agege Constituency I since 2003 and Speaker since 2015, wielded immense influence, often aligning with Lagos’ APC power brokers. His tenure, however, was plagued by allegations of financial impropriety, including a December 2024 claim later debunked by him that the Assembly spent N17 billion on a gate. Critics within the House accused him of autocratic tendencies, while supporters view his impeachment as a betrayal orchestrated by political adversaries eyeing the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Political Heavyweights and Power Plays
The crisis has drawn in Lagos’ political elite, with President Bola Tinubu reportedly intervening to broker a resolution. Sources suggest Tinubu directed Obasa’s reinstatement, possibly as a temporary measure to allow a dignified exit, but this has met resistance from lawmakers and ambivalence from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the APC’s highest organ in Lagos, is also divided, with some backing Obasa as a loyalist and others seeing his removal as a chance to refresh the party’s image.
Obasa’s rumored ambition to succeed Sanwo-Olu in 2027 adds another layer of intrigue. His impeachment may reflect a preemptive strike by rivals within the APC to curb his rising clout, while his legal and physical pushback signals a refusal to fade quietly. The court case, therefore, is not just about the speakership—it’s a proxy war for control of Lagos’ political future.
The Courtroom Spotlight
Friday’s hearing, presided over by Hon. Justice Y.R. Pinheiro, marks a pivotal moment. Obasa’s legal team, led by Fashanu, is pushing for an expedited ruling, arguing that prolonged uncertainty stalls legislative activities vital to Lagosians. The 35 lawmakers, aligned with Meranda, arrived prepared to defend their actions, represented by a formidable legal lineup including Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), and others. Their presence underscores a determination to uphold the impeachment and cement Meranda’s authority.
For Meranda, the first female Speaker, the stakes are high. Her tenure, barely six weeks old, has been overshadowed by this crisis, yet her supporters see her as a symbol of change in a male-dominated political landscape. The outcome of the case could either solidify her leadership or plunge the Assembly into further chaos if Obasa prevails.
Public Sentiment and Broader Implications
Lagosians, grappling with economic hardship and security concerns, have greeted the saga with a mix of frustration and indifference. For many, the Assembly’s internal wrangling feels detached from their daily struggles, eroding trust in a legislature meant to serve them. The APC, long dominant in Lagos, risks reputational damage if the crisis festers, potentially weakening its grip ahead of future elections.
The legal battle also tests the judiciary’s independence in a state where political influence often looms large. A ruling in Obasa’s favor could embolden challenges to legislative autonomy, while a decision upholding the impeachment might reinforce the Assembly’s right to self-governance albeit at the cost of deepening party fractures.
What’s Next?
As of 11:35 AM WAT on February 28, 2025, the hearing is underway, with no immediate outcome in sight. The court’s decision will hinge on its interpretation of constitutional and procedural nuances, a process that could stretch days or weeks. Meanwhile, the Assembly remains a house divided, its legislative agenda stalled as rival factions dig in.
Mudashiru Obasa’s audacious bid to reclaim the speakership has thrust Lagos into a political maelstrom, pitting loyalty against reform, procedure against power. Whether he emerges victorious or Meranda’s coalition prevails, the fallout will reverberate far beyond the courtroom, shaping the state’s governance and the APC’s trajectory for years to come. For now, all eyes are on Ikeja, where justice and politics hang in the balance.
