Lagos Speaker Obasa Unilaterally Changes House Of Assembly's Legal Team As Court Adjourns Case To March 17 | Sahara Reporters
Obasa’s action has sparked outrage among the 35 lawmakers who previously impeached him.
The power tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a fresh twist on Monday as embattled Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, unilaterally changed the legal team representing the Assembly in court.
Obasa’s action has sparked outrage among the 35 lawmakers who previously impeached him.
At the Ikeja High Court, where Obasa’s lawsuit challenging his removal was heard, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro adjourned proceedings to March 17 following new applications filed by the parties involved.
Obasa, who was sacked on January 13 over allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, is seeking to overturn his impeachment.
But his latest maneuver—replacing the Assembly’s lawyers without consulting the majority of lawmakers—has deepened the crisis.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana (SAN), representing the 35 lawmakers, blasted the move as illegal.
"A plaintiff cannot impose a lawyer on the defendants," Falana was quoted by newsmen.
"The 35 lawmakers have chosen our team to represent them, and we are acting on their instructions,” he added.
Outside the courtroom, Obasa’s lead counsel, Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), told journalists that fresh filings were made in response to claims raised in court last Friday.
One of the key disputes in the case is whether Obasa was even in the country at the time of his impeachment.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported how Obasa controversially reclaimed the Speaker’s seat on March 3 after his successor, Mojisola Meranda, stepped down.
President Bola Tinubu and top APC leaders had to wade into the crisis, deploying a high-powered delegation to broker peace.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and other party heavyweights also intervened to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
With tensions still simmering, all eyes are now on the March 17 hearing, where the court is expected to determine the legality of Obasa’s impeachment and his controversial reinstatement.
