The fate of the legal battle initiated by Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, against his predecessor, Mojisola Meranda, and other Assembly members remains uncertain despite speculations of a withdrawal. Obasa’s legal counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), vehemently denied any intention of dropping the suit, asserting that the legal team awaits the court’s judgment and remains resolute in their pursuit of justice. This stance contradicts reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the Assembly’s leadership crisis included a condition for Obasa to withdraw the case. The court reserved judgment on March 17, 2025, after hearing preliminary objections, promising to communicate the date of the ruling to involved parties. Fashanu reiterated the finality of their arguments, emphasizing that the question of withdrawal is no longer relevant.
Counter to Fashanu’s assertions, Otunba Henry Ajomale, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, expressed confidence that Obasa would withdraw the suit following President Tinubu’s intervention. Ajomale suggested that the President’s involvement, aimed at resolving the leadership tussle, would likely lead to an amicable resolution, including the withdrawal of the lawsuit. He attributed the initial legal action to Obasa’s grievance over his removal, acknowledging his right to seek legal redress. However, with Obasa reinstated as Speaker, Ajomale anticipates a swift withdrawal of the case, possibly at the next court sitting. He highlighted the President’s role in restoring normalcy and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
The backdrop of this legal standoff is a tumultuous period in the Lagos State House of Assembly. On January 13, 2025, Obasa was initially removed from his position, leading to Mojisola Meranda’s brief 49-day tenure as the first female Speaker. However, this period was marked by intense leadership struggles as Obasa persistently fought to regain his position. The crisis eventually prompted the intervention of the APC’s national leadership, which facilitated Obasa’s return to the Speakership. This reinstatement was further solidified by a meeting with President Tinubu, involving all 40 lawmakers, on March 12, 2025. The President’s intervention aimed to reconcile the conflicting parties, particularly Obasa and Meranda.
Following Obasa’s reelection as Speaker on March 3, 2025, after Meranda’s resignation, the Assembly adjourned indefinitely. This indefinite adjournment has effectively paused the legislative functions of the House. The Clerk of the Assembly, Ottun Babatunde, indicated a probable resumption after the Sallah break, suggesting a continuation of normal duties and ongoing committee activities despite the plenary recess. Furthermore, it was revealed that Speaker Obasa was absent from the state during this period, undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca. This absence further contributed to the lull in legislative activity.
The contrasting perspectives of Obasa’s legal counsel and APC chieftain Ajomale create ambiguity surrounding the future of the lawsuit. While Fashanu maintains the intention to pursue the case to its conclusion, Ajomale’s confidence in a withdrawal suggests behind-the-scenes negotiations and potential resolutions facilitated by President Tinubu’s intervention. The indefinite adjournment of the Assembly further complicates the situation, leaving a period of uncertainty regarding the resumption of legislative functions and the impact of any potential legal outcomes on the Assembly’s operations.
The ongoing legal proceedings and the indefinite adjournment of the Assembly raise questions about the stability of the legislative arm in Lagos State. The prolonged absence of plenary sessions, despite ongoing committee activities, could potentially impact the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. Moreover, the conflicting statements regarding the withdrawal of the lawsuit create further uncertainty, leaving the future direction of the Assembly and the resolution of internal conflicts hanging in the balance. The post-Sallah break period will be crucial in determining whether the Assembly can resume its functions smoothly and whether the legal battle will continue or be resolved amicably through political interventions.
