The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has ruled that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was both illegal and unconstitutional. In her judgment, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro set aside the House’s January proceedings and resolutions that resulted in Obasa’s ouster, okaynews.com reports.
Obasa, represented by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, had challenged the process, arguing that “the decision to remove him was taken by 36 lawmakers while the Assembly was on recess and he was out of the country.” He maintained that the session was invalid since it was convened without his authority or a formal delegation of power, which he said breached the House’s procedures.
The suit, filed on nine grounds, cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa’s legal action named the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda, who was installed as the new Speaker, as defendants. The court’s decision effectively nullifies the actions that led to Obasa’s removal and reinstates him as Speaker, declaring the entire process void for failing to follow due process.
As Obasa stated, “Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow the due process”.
