In a dramatic turn of events, 29 lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly have stormed the Lagos High Court today to defend the legality of the removal of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Assembly. The embattled Obasa, who has held the office of Speaker for several years, is at the center of a legal battle regarding his removal, which has sparked intense political debate across the state.
The lawmakers, representing a significant portion of the Assembly, arrived at the court in a show of solidarity, asserting that the process which led to Obasa’s removal as Speaker was constitutionally valid. The removal, which occurred earlier this month, was followed by a heated series of protests and legal challenges, with Obasa himself questioning the procedure behind his ouster.
In a brief statement issued outside the courtroom, the group of lawmakers, led by Hon. Mudasiru Adebayo, one of the key figures in the push to oust Obasa, stated, "This is a fight for the rule of law and democratic principles. We are here today to affirm that the removal of Hon. Obasa as Speaker was carried out in accordance with the constitution and the wishes of the majority of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly."
The legal proceedings have garnered attention from political analysts and observers who believe the case could set a significant precedent regarding the powers of the Assembly and the process by which leaders within the legislature can be removed from office. The outcome of the case could have wide-reaching implications for the future of the Lagos State legislature and governance in the state.
On the other side, supporters of Obasa have continued to protest the removal, citing alleged procedural flaws and claiming that the Speaker’s ousting was politically motivated. Obasa’s legal team, led by prominent Lagos lawyer, Mr. Tunde Adebayo, has argued that the removal was conducted unlawfully, and they are seeking a judicial review of the process to reinstate him as Speaker.