Breaking: Court Finally Gives Verdict on Obasa's Impeachent

Breaking: Court Finally Gives Verdict on Obasa's Impeachent

  • The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has nullified the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
  • According to the court, the removal of the speaker did not follow the laid-down rules and was then declared unconstitutional
  • Recall that Obasa was reinstated following the intervention of the party leaders, including two former governors

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has ruled that the impeachment of the reinstated Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was unconstitutional, declaring the removal as null and void.

In her ruling on Wednesday, April 16, Yetunde Pinheiro, the presiding judge, declared null and void the proceedings and resolutions of the lawmakers, which were held on January 13, 2025, declaring that the speaker has been ousted.

The Lagos State High Court has invalidated the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Court nullifies the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa Photo Credit: X/@mudashiru_obasa
Source: Twitter

According to Channels TV, Speaker Obasa had filed the case against the assembly and the newly appointed speaker, Mojisola Meranda, at the time, to challenge his removal as the speaker of the House.

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When was Obasa removed as speaker?

Obasa, who was removed from office while he was outside the country, was accused of financial misappropriation and abuse of office. On his return to Nigeria, Obasa rejected his removal, saying the action of the lawmakers was illegal and subsequently took legal action to challenge the validity of his removal.

Obasa's removal deepened the political crisis that rocked the assembly, leading the elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the former governors of Osun and Ogun, Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, to intervene.

President Bola Tinubu was also reported to have intervened in the crisis and allegedly ordered the reinstatement of Obasa. He was said to be of the opinion that due process was not followed in the impeachment of the speaker, adding that it would laid down a bad precedent.

Lagos lawmakers meet Tinubu

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At some points, the lawmakers were invited to the presidential villa in Abuja, where they met with the president behind closed doors for a meeting. The lawmakers were seen taking pictures with the president following their meeting.

After spending 49 days in office, Meranda finally stepped down as the speaker of the House during a plenary session on March 3. Obasa was then renominated and re-elected by the lawmakers.

Before the impeachment saga, Obasa was earlier involved in a governorship ambition saga. He had claimed that he was competent and qualified to be a governor of the state.

Lagos assembly speaker denies resigning

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda has denied the report that she has resigned from her position

Meranda's spokesperson, Segun Ajiboye, said he did not know where the rumour was coming from and that the speaker has not resigned.

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The rumour about Meranda's resignation came amid the leadership crisis rocking the House, following the removal of the former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Bada Yusuf avatar

Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with over 5 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023) by Legit.ng. Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng