Obasa Drags Lagos Assembly to Court Over Removal: A Desperate Move or a Fight for Justice?
Former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has taken his battle for reinstatement to the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenging the legality of his removal from office. Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, while out of the country, is seeking to overturn the decision that saw his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, elected as the new Speaker. However, his legal move raises critical questions about his motives and the validity of his claims.
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Obasa’s Claims and Reliefs Sought
In the suit filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), Obasa argues that his removal was unconstitutional because it occurred while the Assembly was on recess. He contends that the House cannot legally sit or conduct proceedings during recess without the Speaker convening the session or delegating authority to someone else.
Obasa is seeking several reliefs from the court, including:
An order for accelerated hearing of the case.
A directive limiting the defendants’ response time to seven days.
A ruling that the time for filing replies on points of law be reduced to three days.
He maintains that the court must urgently determine the legality of the Assembly’s current leadership to avoid disrupting legislative activities in Lagos State.
A Critical Look at Obasa’s Case
While Obasa’s legal challenge may seem like a fight for justice, a closer examination reveals several flaws and contradictions in his position:
Convenient Timing of Impeachment: Obasa claims he was impeached while out of the country, implying that his absence was exploited to remove him. However, this argument overlooks the fact that impeachment is a legislative process that does not require the physical presence of the accused. The Constitution allows lawmakers to impeach a Speaker if they have the required majority, regardless of whether the Speaker is present.
Recess Argument: Obasa’s claim that the Assembly cannot sit during recess is misleading. The Constitution grants the House the authority to regulate its own procedures, including the ability to convene during recess if necessary. The impeachment of a Speaker is a significant constitutional matter that can justify such a session.
Allegations of Misconduct: Obasa’s impeachment was based on allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation. While he has dismissed these allegations as baseless, he has yet to provide concrete evidence to refute them. His decision to focus on procedural technicalities rather than addressing the substantive allegations against him raises questions about his credibility.
Security Agents’ Involvement: Obasa’s accusation that the state Commissioner of Police aided his removal by invading the Assembly complex and his homes is a serious claim. However, he has not provided any evidence to support this allegation. If true, it warrants an independent investigation, but until then, it appears to be a diversionary tactic to garner sympathy.
Meranda’s Election: Obasa’s removal paved the way for the election of Mojisola Meranda as the first female Speaker in the South-West. This historic milestone has been widely celebrated, and any attempt to reverse it could be seen as an attack on progress and gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
The Bigger Picture
Obasa’s legal challenge is not just about his personal political survival; it has broader implications for Lagos State’s governance and democratic processes. His insistence on an expedited hearing suggests a desire to disrupt the current leadership and regain control of the Assembly. However, this move risks further polarizing the House and undermining its ability to function effectively.
Moreover, Obasa’s case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative institutions. If the allegations of misconduct against him are proven true, his removal would be a victory for accountability. Conversely, if his impeachment was indeed orchestrated without due process, it would expose the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institution.
Mudashiru Obasa’s decision to challenge his removal in court is a bold move, but it is not without its flaws. His focus on procedural technicalities, coupled with his failure to address the substantive allegations against him, undermines the credibility of his case.
As the Lagos State High Court prepares to hear the matter, the public will be watching closely to see whether Obasa’s claims hold water or whether his legal challenge is merely a desperate attempt to cling to power. For now, the case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between upholding democratic principles and ensuring accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Reference
Obasa Drags Lagos Assembly to Court Over Removal: A Desperate Move or a Fight for Justice?