The suit filed by Mudashiru Obasa to challenge his removal as Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly continued on Friday at the State High Court in Ikeja. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro adjourned the case until Monday, March 10, to hear all new and pending applications.
The judge instructed all parties to file and serve the necessary documents to ensure the court can address all pending applications on the next adjourned date. In some of the pending applications, the Deputy Speaker and 36 other lawmakers have asked the court to dismiss or strike out the suit, arguing that the matter has become academic.
Two new counsels, Olusola Idowu (SAN) and Clement Onwuenwunor, who are representing some of the lawmakers, have joined the case and filed their applications.
After hearing submissions from all parties, Justice Pinheiro adjourned the matter to Monday in the interest of justice.
Outside the courtroom, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), counsel to Obasa, told journalists that beyond challenging his removal for not following due process, his client is also disputing the allegations in the removal notice, including fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, as he was not given a fair hearing.
Romeo Michael, representing 34 lawmakers who were recently added to the suit, stated that they have filed a counterclaim, urging the court to declare Obasa’s removal constitutional and in line with Section 92 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
