‘Victory for Lagos assembly’ — Obasa celebrates court judgment nullifying his removal as speaker

Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the Lagos house of assembly, has reacted to the judgment nullifying his removal as the leader of the state parliament.

Obasa said the court’s ruling reinforces the desire of the Lagos assembly to move forward and continue to work for the good of the people.

A statement on Wednesday released by his media office quoted the reinstated speaker as having said that the judgment is a victory for the Lagos assembly as an institution.

“This is a victory for the Lagos House of Assembly as an institution and for our current and future members,” the statement reads.

“It reinforces the desire for us as members of the House to move ahead in unity and harmony and continue to work for the good of our people, our beloved Lagos State, and Nigeria.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the Lagos high court in Ikeja nullified Obasa’s removal as speaker of the state house of assembly.

Yetunde Pinheiro, the presiding judge, nullified the proceedings and resolution of the Lagos assembly on January 13 that led to Obasa’s ouster.

Obasa was removed while he was abroad by a majority of lawmakers, who accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Following his removal, then-deputy speaker Mojisola Meranda was elected as the first female speaker of the house.

Upon returning to the country, Obasa rejected the decision, describing it as illegal, and instituted a legal action challenging the legality of his removal.

After 49 days in office, Meranda stepped down as speaker during a plenary session held on March 3.

Obasa was subsequently re-nominated and re-elected by his colleagues.