A pro-Lagos development group, Agenda for New Lagos, has raised concerns over an alleged plan to use the judiciary to invalidate the earlier impeachment of the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
In a press statement released to the media, the group, through its Protem Chairman, Kamal Olorunnisola, claimed that a court judgment to overturn Obasa’s removal had already been written and would be delivered next Monday.
This follows a legal case instituted by Obasa at the peak of his impeachment saga, which is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, March 10.
In a statement titled ‘Obasa: The Ultimate End of the Drama,’ the group accused Obasa of employing deceptive tactics to regain and retain his position.
“Many Assembly members were misled into believing that Obasa would step down after Meranda, but this was merely a political ploy.
“Once reinstated under the guise of damage control, he indefinitely adjourned Assembly proceedings, anticipating a favourable court ruling,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that despite claims of withdrawing his lawsuit, Obasa had continued with the legal challenge to legitimize his return.
“The judgment invalidating the impeachment process has already been prepared, and efforts are underway to pressure the judge into delivering it as planned.”
According to the statement, if the judgment is issued as expected, Obasa will ensure that no appeal is filed on behalf of the Assembly.
Additionally, the ruling would confirm that his removal never occurred and that Meranda was never legally the Speaker, effectively restoring the previously dismissed clerk despite opposition from his colleagues.
Agenda for New Lagos called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organizations, and democracy advocates to scrutinize the unfolding events in Lagos, warning that judicial manipulation in the state could set a dangerous precedent.
“The abuse of the judiciary and the prevailing reign of impunity in Lagos must be addressed before they spiral out of control and impact the broader democratic framework of Nigeria,” the group stated.
