A legal standoff unfolded at the Lagos State High Court on Friday as two senior lawyers each claimed to represent the Lagos State House of Assembly in a high-profile case filed by Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, contesting his removal as Speaker.
Obasa’s suit, numbered ID/9047GCM/2025 and heard before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, contests the legality of the Assembly’s sitting on January 13, 2025, during its recess, where the decision to impeach him was made.
His lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, argued that the sitting was unconstitutional, as the Speaker neither reconvened the House nor delegated authority.
However, court proceedings took an unexpected turn when Abang Mkpandiok challenged the appearance of Femi Falana, SAN, who had been representing the Assembly. Mkpandiok claimed he had been newly briefed by the Assembly and had filed a motion to replace Falana as counsel.
Falana, in response, objected, stating he had not been formally served with any notice of the change.
After reviewing court records, Justice Pinheiro ruled that Mkpandiok’s application was premature as it had not been properly served on all parties. The court deferred the matter until due process was followed.
Meanwhile, 33 members of the Lagos Assembly have filed a motion seeking to join the suit, asserting their interest in the case.
Justice Pinheiro scheduled the hearing of all pending applications for March 7.
Speaking to journalists after the session, current Speaker Mojosola Lasbat Meranda dismissed reports of her resignation and condemned Obasa’s alleged invasion of the Assembly complex. She also revealed that her full security detail had yet to be restored.
