Drama In Lagos Assembly As Obasa Files Corruption Case Against Meranda In Court, Move To Remove Her Name As Former Speaker
Drama In Lagos Assembly As Obasa Files Corruption Case Against Meranda In Court, Move To Remove Her Name As Former Speaker
An Ikeja High Court has extended the hearing of the suit filed by reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to March 17, as fresh fraud allegations emerge in the ongoing legal battle.
Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 over accusations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, is challenging his removal in court. The respondents in the case include members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
During the resumed hearing on Monday, Lead Counsel for the Assembly, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Mr. Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had submitted additional affidavits. These documents contained new allegations of fraud against Meranda.
The latest development prompted Meranda’s counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), to seek an adjournment to respond adequately to the new claims.
“There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits my learned brother (Femi Falana) referred to. We shall be asking for an adjournment to respond to the new application,” Oyetibo said.
In a surprising turn of events, Obasa also attempted to unilaterally change the legal representation for the House of Assembly in the case. This move led to a confrontation in court, as Mr. Olusola Idowu (SAN) announced his appearance as an incoming counsel for the Assembly. However, Falana objected, citing a Court of Appeal decision that mandates a trial court to first hear an application for change of counsel before entertaining any other submissions.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that all applications and processes must be heard together on the next adjourned date.
“All the applications will be taken at once. All applications, including those seeking injunction and those challenging jurisdiction, will be heard on March 17. The application regarding the change of counsel will also be heard on Monday, along with the counter-application,” Pinheiro stated.
The case was subsequently adjourned until March 17 for the hearing of the various applications filed by the parties. The legal battle continues to unfold, with observers keenly watching how the court will rule on the matter.
