The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the House from January, which led to Obasa’s removal from office.
Obasa had filed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the session that ousted him while the Assembly was on recess and he was out of the country.
The court ruled in his favor, stating that the actions taken by the House were in violation of established legislative procedures and provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The suit listed the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda, who was named interim Speaker, among the defendants.
Represented by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu SAN Obasa argued that the purported session was invalid as it was convened without his authority or formal delegation of power.
He maintained that the House Standing Orders require proper procedural compliance before any such decision can be taken.
Justice Pinheiro agreed with the plaintiff’s position, stating that the session lacked constitutional backing and procedural legitimacy.
The judge stated that the legislative sitting held in January was not properly constituted and, therefore, all resolutions taken during that sitting, including the removal of the Speaker, were null and void.
The court highlighted that the involvement of 36 lawmakers during the recess did not constitute a lawful quorum, nor was it authorized by the leadership of the Assembly.
The judgment reinforces the requirement for due process in the conduct of legislative affairs, particularly when leadership changes are involved.
The ruling restores Obasa’s position as Speaker and renders Meranda’s appointment invalid. It also sets a precedent for the interpretation of legislative authority during periods of recess and the limits of power when procedural rules are not followed.
Legal analysts have described the judgment as a significant affirmation of constitutional governance within state legislative structures.
The decision is expected to influence how future internal Assembly actions are approached, especially with respect to leadership transitions.
The Lagos State House of Assembly is yet to issue a formal response to the ruling. Observers anticipate further legal or political developments in the coming days as the Assembly reconvenes and aligns with the court’s directive.
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