In what appears to be a watershed moment for democratic accountability in state legislatures, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has delivered a landmark judgment nullifying the controversial removal of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The court described the process as not only illegal and unconstitutional but also a clear breach of legislative procedure and natural justice.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday at the Ikeja Judicial Division, voided all proceedings and resolutions passed during the plenary session held on January 13, 2025—an extraordinary sitting during which 36 lawmakers purportedly impeached Obasa and installed Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
The court’s verdict followed a suit filed by Obasa on February 12, 2025, through his legal counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), challenging what he described as an orchestrated legislative ambush carried out in his absence. According to court filings, the former Speaker was outside the country at the time of the sitting, and the House was officially on recess, raising questions about the legitimacy of the session and the legality of the decisions made.
Obasa’s legal challenge, built on nine constitutional and procedural grounds, hinged on a fundamental argument: that no valid sitting of the Lagos State House of Assembly can take place without the Speaker’s authority or a formal delegation of such authority in his absence. He argued that the sitting not only violated the Standing Orders of the House but also breached multiple provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), especially those governing the separation of powers and the rule of law.
In her ruling, Justice Pinheiro emphasized that due process must be followed in all legislative activities, stressing that "democracy thrives not in chaos or conspiracy but in adherence to rules and laws." She stated categorically that the actions taken during the January 13 sitting were "null, void, and of no legal effect" and ordered the immediate restoration of Obasa as the duly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Political observers and legal analysts have described the ruling as a resounding affirmation of institutional order and constitutional supremacy in Nigeria’s democratic process. While the House has not officially responded to the judgment, insiders suggest that the ruling may trigger internal reconciliations within the APC-dominated Assembly.
Hon. Obasa, who has served as Speaker since 2015, is known as one of the most experienced legislators in the country and has faced multiple political battles within and outside the Assembly. His latest victory marks a significant chapter in his political career and sends a strong message to state lawmakers about the boundaries of legislative authority.
Meanwhile, legal experts have commended the judiciary for upholding the sanctity of democratic institutions, warning that allowing impromptu impeachments outside proper procedure could plunge legislative arms of government into anarchy and set dangerous precedents across the country.
At the time of filing this report, there are indications that Obasa may seek to press contempt charges against members who participated in the illegal proceedings, unless an official apology and corrective measures are taken.
This case now stands as a reference point for similar disputes in legislative houses across Nigeria, reaffirming the judiciary’s role as the final arbiter in disputes over constitutional interpretation and legislative misconduct.