Last week’s ruling by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos High Court, which nullified Obasa’s impeachment as Speaker, was widely anticipated by political observers. The court declared the January 13 removal proceedings “illegal and unconstitutional,” validating Obasa’s argument that his removal occurred improperly while the Assembly was on recess and he was abroad.
Despite a high-level peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu—which included emissaries Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba—Obasa allegedly reneged on agreements made during negotiations. The reconciliation deal reportedly stipulated that former Speaker Meranda would resign her position, followed by Obasa’s resignation after 48 hours to make way for a new Speaker from Lagos West. However, Obasa apparently pursued his court case regardless, seeking legal confirmation that his removal never validly occurred.
The pro-development group Agenda for New Lagos (ANL) has accused Obasa of orchestrating a “political gimmick” by tricking Assembly members into accepting his subsequent “re-election” only to adjourn proceedings indefinitely while awaiting the court judgment. According to ANL’s Protem Chairman Kamal Olorunnisola, the court ruling now implies that “he had never been removed while Meranda was never a Speaker,” potentially paving the way for the return of the previously removed Clerk.