Court Extends Hearing Of Obasa’s Suit Against Impeachment To March 10

An Ikeja High Court has extended the hearing of the suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, until March 10.

Obasa is challenging his earlier impeachment over allegations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.

The respondents in the case include members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the former speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

When the case was called on Friday, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro directed all parties to file and serve their legal processes before the next adjourned date. She then set March 10 for the hearing of all applications, including Obasa’s originating summons.

Earlier, Obasa’s lead counsel, Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), argued that despite his reinstatement, the lawsuit remained relevant as the speaker was not given a fair hearing before his removal. He emphasized that Obasa is still contesting the allegations outlined in his impeachment notice.

However, counsel for the 34 lawmakers, Romeo Ese-Michael, maintained that the suit should proceed. He stated:

“Even if the complainant withdraws his suit due to his re-election, our counterclaim still stands. The lawmakers want the court to declare that the speaker’s removal was constitutional and in line with Section 92 of the 1999 Constitution, rather than the rules guiding the Lagos State House of Assembly.”

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2024, after being accused of gross misconduct and abuse of office, with his deputy taking over as speaker. However, on March 3, he was reinstated following Meranda’s resignation.

The case will now proceed on March 10, as legal arguments continue over the legitimacy of Obasa’s impeachment and reinstatement.