The legal team of ousted Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that there is no plan to withdraw the lawsuit challenging his removal, despite ongoing political mediation efforts.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), lead counsel to Obasa, affirmed that the case remains on course and that the legal team is fully prepared for the February 28 hearing at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.
Obasa’s Stance: "I Will Not Return Until the Court Rules"
Obasa, who was removed by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, had rejected his ousting, alleging that due process was not followed.
According to his lawyer, returning to the Assembly before a court judgment would be illegal.
"If he wanted to take laws into his own hands, he would have returned to the Assembly from day two or three. But as a law-abiding leader, he will wait for the court’s ruling," Fashanu stated.
Political Mediation: Tinubu, APC Leaders Seek Resolution
The crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly has proven difficult to resolve, despite interventions from:
- The Governors Advisory Council (GAC)
- President Bola Tinubu
- Former Osun and Ogun Governors, Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba
The mediation panel reportedly proposed that both Obasa and the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, step aside, allowing a neutral lawmaker from Lagos West Senatorial District to assume leadership.
Additionally, Obasa was expected to withdraw his lawsuit voluntarily, but his legal team maintains that no such decision has been communicated.
Defence Team Prepares for Legal Showdown
Fashanu reiterated that the legal team believes Obasa has a strong case and will proceed unless directed otherwise.
"Nothing is certain except death. But we are confident in our client’s case and will pursue it to the best of our ability," he said.
When asked about the possibility of a political settlement, Fashanu remarked:
"I am not a politician. That decision rests with our client. If he believes the proposed terms of settlement serve his best interest, then he will decide."
Tensions Escalate: DSS Detains Lagos Assembly Staff Over Alleged Assault
Amid the ongoing crisis, three Lagos State Assembly workers have been remanded in DSS custody on charges of:
- Assaulting DSS officers on duty at the Assembly complex.
- Cyberstalking and spreading false information on social media to incite unrest.
The workers—Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adetu Adekunle, and Fatimoh Adetola—were arrested after a reported altercation with DSS officers on February 17.
PASAN Condemns Arrest, Calls for Workers’ Release
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Lagos Chapter, has condemned the arrest, detention, and trial of the workers, calling it "an abuse of power and gross violation of workers’ rights."
State PASAN Chairman, Babatunde Ogunlana, urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene, particularly as one of the detained workers is asthmatic.
What Next? Court Battle vs. Political Settlement
As the February 28 court date approaches, it remains unclear whether:
✅ Obasa will push forward with his legal challenge.
✅ The APC leadership will broker a last-minute political resolution.
✅ The Assembly will continue operating under Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
For now, tensions remain high, with Lagos politics bracing for a heated courtroom battle or a potential power-sharing compromise.
