Embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has filed a lawsuit against the state lawmakers challenging his removal from office.
The suit was filed at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, with Obasa seeking an expedited hearing of the case.
Obasa, who was removed in absentia by 32 out of the 40 members of the House on January 13, 2025, has described the move as a “coup.” He was in the United States at the time of the controversial decision, which has sparked divided opinions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
In his lawsuit, Obasa is seeking several reliefs, including “an order fixing a date for the expeditious hearing of the originating summons” and an “order abridging the time within which the Defendants may file their response.”
Obasa’s legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, argues that the legality of the sitting on January 13, 2025, and the subsequent proceedings that led to his removal must be urgently addressed. The application highlights the interpretation of key constitutional provisions, such as Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the Constitution of Nigeria, and the rules of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“The action borders on the constitutionality or otherwise of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly of the 13th January, 2025 where the Plaintiff herein, as Honourable Speaker, was said to be impeached,” the suit reads.
Obasa further asserts that the House’s sitting during a recess, without his reconvening it, violated constitutional and legislative procedures. The ex-Speaker is calling for swift determination of the case to ensure the continuity of legislative activities in Lagos.
“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination,” he added.
Obasa’s lawyers contend that no party will suffer prejudice or injustice should the court grant accelerated hearings in the matter.
