Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has ruled that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was illegal and unconstitutional.
The court nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the Assembly held on January 13, during which Obasa was ousted from office.
Background of the Case
Obasa had filed a suit challenging his removal, arguing that it was carried out while the Assembly was on recess and he was outside the country. He contended that the sitting during which he was removed was unlawfully convened, lacking proper authority or any formal delegation of power from the Speaker’s office.
The suit was anchored on nine grounds, relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Court’s Ruling
The court’s ruling effectively reinstates Obasa as Speaker and renders null all decisions taken during the contested session. The judgment has significant implications for the Lagos State House of Assembly, and its leadership structure.