In a significant legal development, a Lagos State High Court has overturned the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, effectively nullifying all subsequent legislative proceedings conducted in his absence. The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, emphatically ruled that the process leading to Obasa’s ouster was unlawful and unconstitutional, thereby restoring him to his position as the presiding officer of the Assembly.
The court’s decision came after a petition challenging the legitimacy of the Assembly’s actions during the period Obasa was removed. According to the ruling, the procedures followed by the faction that purportedly replaced Obasa did not comply with the constitutional provisions governing the House of Assembly’s leadership transitions. The judge emphasized that any attempt to remove a sitting Speaker must strictly adhere to due process, which was evidently lacking in this instance.
This verdict not only reinstates Obasa but also renders all legislative activities, including bills passed and decisions made during his absence, null and void. Political analysts believe this judgment will have far-reaching implications on the legislative calendar and governance in Lagos State, potentially leading to a review of laws passed under the disputed leadership.
Obasa, who has been a prominent figure in Lagos politics for years, welcomed the court’s ruling, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. His supporters have hailed the judgment as a reaffirmation of constitutional order, while critics of the previous removal have called for unity and stability within the Assembly moving forward.
As the dust settles on this legal battle, all eyes are now on the Lagos State House of Assembly to see how it will navigate the aftermath of this landmark judgment and restore normalcy in its operations.
