General News of Friday, 28 February 2025

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Lagos Assembly crisis: 35 lawmakers storm court

Mudashiru Obasa Mudashiru Obasa

Reports indicate that 35 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly arrived at the Ikeja High Court on Friday, February 28, 2025, as tension continues to rise.

This comes after embattled Speaker Mudashiru Obasa filed a lawsuit against them following his impeachment.

Recall that Obasa was removed as Speaker of the Assembly while he was away in the United States of America. His deputy Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the Speaker.

On Thursday, Obasa reportedly stormed the Assembly, claiming to have returned as the Speaker and presided over a sitting with only four lawmakers present.

In a statement issued by the Assembly spokesperson, Steve Ogundipe, the Lagos State House of Assembly said on Friday, “The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect.

“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.

“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians. Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues,” the statement said.