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  • Court nullifies Obasa’s removal as Lagos Assembly Speaker

    Court nullifies Obasa’s removal as Lagos Assembly Speaker

    Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.

    Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly held on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was ousted from office.

    Obasa had filed a suit challenging his removal, naming the House of Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as defendants. The suit, filed on February 12, 2025, through his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), argued that his removal was carried out while the Assembly was on recess and he was outside the country.

    He contended that the sitting during which he was removed was unlawfully convened, lacking proper authority or any formal delegation of power from the Speaker’s office.

    Obasa’s legal challenge was anchored on nine grounds, relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The court’s ruling effectively reinstates Obasa as Speaker and renders null all decisions taken during the contested session.

  • Ex-minister Olanrewaju: Obasa’s return as Lagos speaker killing democracy

    Ex-minister Olanrewaju: Obasa’s return as Lagos speaker killing democracy

    A former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd.), has strongly condemned the re-election of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing it as a threat to democracy.

    Olanrewaju argued that the events following Obasa’s impeachment suggest that lawmakers in Lagos lack the freedom to choose their leaders independently.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former minister warned that indigenous Lagosians must prepare for 2027, or risk continued political domination by non-indigenes.

    Olanrewaju criticized the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, for what he described as an assault on democracy.

    “Democracy died on Monday, March 3, when the Lagos State House of Assembly re-elected a constitutionally impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following the resignation of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who had lawfully secured the position with an overall majority.”

    The former minister questioned the legitimacy of the political maneuvering that led to Obasa’s return and cast doubt on the integrity of the decision.

    “Are we not witnessing the gradual collapse of democracy before our eyes? A legitimate election outcome was reversed through political agreements, making the loser the winner. Was there an ulterior motive behind this? You can bet on it.”

    Olanrewaju further suggested that the decision to reinstate Obasa may have been influenced by powerful political forces in Abuja, rather than being a reflection of the House members’ democratic choice.

    “The turn of events suggests that House members have been deprived of their democratic right to elect their own leader. A conspiracy theory is pointing to Abuja as the power center that decided the final outcome of the crisis in the Lagos Assembly.”

    He also referenced comments by APC spokesperson Oladejo, who reportedly denied that an agreement for Obasa to resign was ever in place.

    “A dummy was sold to the public that Obasa would step down on March 5, 2025, for a neutral candidate from Lagos West. Now, we see that was never the plan.”

    With the unfolding political crisis, Olanrewaju emphasized the need for a new political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “Lagos State politics will need a new roadmap in 2027. Indigenous Lagosians and their allies must throw everything into the arena to reclaim political leadership. The ruling elites have sidelined the state’s indigenes, and the removal of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many.”

    The former minister’s remarks reflect growing discontent over the political dynamics in Lagos, particularly regarding the role of external influence in state politics and the representation of indigenous citizens in governance.

  • ‘Show of shame’: Meranda condemns Obasa’s ‘invasion’ of Lagos Assembly

    ‘Show of shame’: Meranda condemns Obasa’s ‘invasion’ of Lagos Assembly

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has criticised ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s actions, describing his entry into the Assembly complex as a “show of shame.”

    Obasa, accompanied by his security officials, entered the Assembly complex on Thursday and gained access to the Speaker’s office, TodayPriceNG earlier reported.

    He later presided over a four-member parliamentary session after suing the state government and the Assembly, challenging his removal as unlawful.

    On Friday, 35 lawmakers who supported Obasa’s removal attended the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of the case he filed.

    Speaking after the court session, Meranda emphasized that the legal battle was just beginning and urged all parties to allow their legal teams to handle the proceedings.

    “This is actually just the beginning. Just like what happened in there, both parties have their representatives, and I think we should allow the legal team to do their job,” she said.

    Meranda condemned Obasa’s actions, stating that while he remained a member of the House and had the right to access the complex, forcefully entering the Speaker’s office was unacceptable.

    “I think he is still a member of the House of Assembly, so he has every right to come, but the invasion and breaking into my office, that is really a big one.

    “To me, that was just a show of shame because, in our job, we have numbers that form a quorum. So if you are sitting with three or four members, you are only doing theatre,” she added.

    The speaker also noted that while her previously withdrawn security detail had been restored, it was not at the usual level of protection she received.

    “I have three or four policemen, whereas my normal convoy, my team… 12 policemen, four DSS, and two anti-bomb units. But I don’t have that this morning,” she said.

  • 35 Lagos lawmakers arrive High Court over Obasa’s removal

    35 Lagos lawmakers arrive High Court over Obasa’s removal

    Thirty-five lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly in favor of Mudashiru Obasa’s removal as Speaker have arrived at the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a matter brought by the latter.

    Recall that Obasa had gone to court to challenge his removal by at least 36 of his colleagues on January 13, 2025.

    In the application dated February 12, 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), the plaintiff claimed that he was removed from his position on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country.

    Lawyers to Speaker Mojisola Meranda include lead counsel, Prof. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

    Other counsels 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.
    In a statement from the media office of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, “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.

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    “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, Mrs. Mojisola 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 said 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.

     

  • I have no intention of victimising anyone – Obasa

    I have no intention of victimising anyone – Obasa

    Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said that he does not intend to victimise anyone following the leadership crisis in the assembly.

    Obasa was removed as speaker on January 13 while he was abroad on allegations of corruption and high-handedness among others. His deputy Mojisola Meranda was swiftly installed as speaker.

    The embattled lawmaker was at the assembly on Thursday for the first time since his impeachment.

    He told journalists that he has nothing against anyone and that he would continue to work with his colleagues for the good of Lagos.

    “I don’t have anything against anybody,” Obasa said. “My colleagues have always been my brothers, they have always been loyal, dedicated, with strong commitment to serve the people of Lagos and we will continue to do that together. I have no intention of victimisation.”

    Obasa insisted that he does not consider himself impeached because the lawmakers did not follow legitimate process.

    “I’ve told you repeatedly I’ve never been removed. There’s nothing like impeachment. Impeachment is constitutional but to achieve that you must follow the due process,” he said.

    “I’m not against been removed, if I do that then I’m not democratic but all we’re saying is let us go through the normal process to achieve that.”

    Asked “What’s next?” by a reporter, he replied: “Obasa”.

    Meanwhile, Obasa presided over plenary with four lawmakers present.

    Vanguard gathered that over 26 other members of the assembly were around the complex at the time but refused to enter the chamber.

  • Obasa: Normalcy returns as Meranda steers affairs of Lagos Assembly

    Obasa: Normalcy returns as Meranda steers affairs of Lagos Assembly

    Normalcy has returned to the Lagos State of Assembly as the newly elected Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda gained more support and collaboration of other lawmakers to steer the affairs of the House.

    The legislators, yesterday, dismissed as hog-wash rumours of plans to remove
    Meranda, has continued to enjoy their overwhelming support since the speakership crisis rocked the Assembly.

    It will be recalled that 37 out of 40 members on January 13, 2025 impeached the former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, as a result of financial misappropriation and abuse of office, and elected Meranda.

    The event has generated widespread criticisms from stakeholders within and outside Lagos especially within the political cadre.

    However, the crisis was laid to rest through a phone call by President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    It will be recalled that the House resumed plenary on February 6, 2025 with lawmakers eulogising the administration of President Tinubu and his wife for the various economic policies they introduced to better the lives of the people.

    After the plenary on Thursday, the House adjourned sitting to Monday, February 10 at 11am.

    Vanguard reliably gathered that the situation in the House is calm as everyone is going about his or her work.

    Speaking to some of the people in the Assembly, to feel their pulse of the activities on ground, they said: “The Assembly is peaceful and everyone is working here. The lawmakers are happy. Nobody is causing any problem.

    “And you know today is Friday, very soon, the Muslim people would go to Mosque. So, don’t mind people who are spreading rumour of impeaching Madam Speaker.

    “In fact, the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda and the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu went to LTV 8 this morning.”

  • Obasa absent as Lagos lawmakers pledge loyalty, support for Tinubu’s govt

    Obasa absent as Lagos lawmakers pledge loyalty, support for Tinubu’s govt

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have expressed unalloyed support and loyalty to President Bola Tinubu for impressive achievements so far on the Renewed Hope Agenda, performance as Lagos State Governor, and improving the nation’s socioeconomic fortune.

    The lawmakers also pledged their loyalty to the President for his political leadership in Lagos.

    This is coming at the resumed plenary of the assembly barely a month after the former Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, was removed as Speaker of the House, but the embattled ex-speaker was conspicuously absent at the plenary.

    This followed a motion on Thursday, under Personal Explanation by the lawmaker representing Epe Constituency I, Mr Abiodun Tobun, during plenary.

    He noted that the cost of living had reduced, while the naira had appreciated against the dollar due to the government’s impactful policies.

    Tobun, who noted that there was room for improvement, said there was also the need to commend the President for making bold decisions to fix the economy.

    The members took turns reeling out various achievements by the Tinubu administration and political sagacity in Lagos, in particular, and Nigeria, in general.

    The assembly member representing Eti Osa Constituency II, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu, contributed, saying the President’s economic policies were apt and successful.

    Yishawu also commended the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting the President and initiating the policy to encourage homegrown farming.

    In a remark, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Temitope Adewale, said every member of the state assembly owes their allegiance to President Tinubu, whom he said groomed him, other lawmakers and many other politicians.

    Other lawmakers listed some of the President’s laudable policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, the provision of student loans, the new national minimum wage and a reduction in the debt-to-income ratio.

    Before ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, commended Tinubu and their wife for their exemplary leadership quality.

    Subsequently, the House resolved to write the President to express members’ loyalty and commend him for his courageous leadership in the country.

  • Obasa: Group faults Lagos lawmakers for contravening House standing rules

    A group, under the umbrella of Assembly Integrity, has flayed the Lagos State House of Assembly members for contravening the House standing rules for reconvening to remove the Speaker.

    The group made the remark on Tuesday, in a statement, titled: “Lagos Lawmakers should not be lawbreakers: Due process is important.”

    The unsigned statement read in part: “The Assembly STANDING RULES for RECONVENING the House provides:

    “Where The Assembly Stands Adjourned, The PROCEDURE for RECONVENING in the STANDING RULES section 18 is very CLEAR as stated below, but this was not followed by the assembly in its haste to commit illegality as stated below:

    “18. (1) Whenever the House shall stand adjourned to a date not fixed and it is represented to the Speaker by the Leaders of the Political Parties in the House that the House shall meet on a particular day at a certain time, the Speaker shall give notice accordingly. The House shall meet on the date and at the time stated in the notice.

    “(2) Whenever the House stands adjourned either to a date fixed by Resolution or the Rule of the House, and it is represented by the Leaders of the Political Parties in the House to the Speaker that the public interest requires that the House should meet on an earlier or a later date or time than that on which it stands adjourned, the Speaker may give notice accordingly, and the House shall meet on the date and at the time stated in the notice.

    “(3) Whenever the Speaker shall have given notice by either of the two preceding paragraphs, the Clerk shall communicate the terms of the notice to each member.
    Sitting of the House.

    “(4) On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the House may meet at 10.00 a.m. and, unless previously adjourned, shall sit until 6.00 p.m. provided that at 1.30 p.m. the Speaker may suspend the sitting until 2.00 p.m.

    “(5) On Fridays, the House may meet at 9.00 a.m. and if not prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”

    Recall that the lawmakers reconvened during recess on Monday, January 13, 2025, to summarily remove the embattled former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and replace him with his erstwhile deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as substantive Speaker.

    The event has led to controversy among various groups, particularly the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), polarizing the council.

    Obasa, last weekend, returned to Lagos State after a journey abroad while addressing a large crowd of supporters, declared his removal as “unconstitutional,” maintaining that he remained the valid Speaker despite removal by the House.

  • Obanikoro faults Adefuye’s support for impeached Lagos speaker,Obasa

    Obanikoro faults Adefuye’s support for impeached Lagos speaker,Obasa

    A former  Nigeria ambassador to Ghana, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, has  faulted a statement  made by an APC chieftain ,Sen.Anthony Adefuye,expressing support for the impeached speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa .

    Recall that Obasa (APC-Agege 1)was  on Jan.13 removed  by lawmakers over alleged misconduct ,and was replaced by the then deputy speaker ,Mrs Mojisola Meranda.

    Obasa,who spoke for the first time on his impeachment on Saturday , said his removal did not follow due process.

    Addressing his loyalists in Ikeja ,Obasa said he remained the  speaker of the House and would soon resume his legislative duties.

    He also denied the allegations of corruption levelled against him by the lawmakers.

    Adefuye, a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Anthony Adefuye,has  expressed support for the embattled former speaker.

    In a recent interview,Adefuye said that he  agreed with Obasa that he was illegally removed.

    “What he is saying is that he was illegally removed and the procedure was faulty and I agree with him.”he said.

    Reacting to Adefuye’s interview,Obanikoro a two time minister, said the APC chieftain  was careless to have made the statement .

    “The statement of Sen. Adefuye on the removal of the former speaker Mudashiru Obasa, is very unfortunate, childish and inconsequential.

    “Senator Adefuye’s comment shouldn’t have come up, as leaders, if there are  serious issues of this magnitude, rushing to make press statement or personal statement on such issues is unbecoming of a statement

    “Since GAC as a unit as not made any prounouncement on the subject matter, it is irresponsible of any member of that privileged body to go public and make comments on an issue that is as sensitive as that,” the senator told Newsmen on Sunday.

    Obanikoro, also a member of GAC ,said it was important to  respect hierarchy in any organisation.

    ” Moreso our leader, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria waded in on the matter, so i believe nobody should come out individually to express an opinion based on privileged status”,he said.

     

  • Impeachment: Obasa knocks Lagos CP, accuses police of connivance

    Impeachment: Obasa knocks Lagos CP, accuses police of connivance

    Impeached former Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa has accused the Lagos police of connivance during the impeachment process that ousted him from office recently.

    According to Obasa, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police led police officers to invade the state assembly on the day of the removal, adding that over 200 policemen also invaded his private residence in Agege and blocked the gate, while they prevented members of his family from going out of the house.

    “I am not afraid of being removed, after all it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.

    “They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.

    “When former speaker, Rt. Hon Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly and we did not invite policemen. When my sister, former deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho was removed, we did not invite the police.

    “They should not discredit an innocent person, they should prove their allegations against me. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence.

    “I believe in the image of our institution, we must not destroy it and I will never partake in it’s destruction.

    “I appreciate the members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the state, he is my brother and he always calls me his younger brother,” he stated.

    Obasa also thanked President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi who he said would always be his father.

    He recalled that he had been with President Tinubu during his days in the Social Democratic Party, SDP, adding that he never expected to be Speaker in 2015, but that Tinubu supported him even when everyone was against him.