Obasa Sues Meranda For Corruption, Seeks Removal Of Her Name As Ex-Speaker
The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly deepened as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa filed a corruption case against his short-term successor, Mojisola Meranda, at an Ikeja High Court on Monday.
Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 over allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, also requested the court to remove Meranda’s name as a former Speaker.
The case lists Meranda and members of the Lagos Assembly as respondents.
During the hearing, the Assembly’s lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fasanu, SAN, had submitted fresh affidavits containing additional fraud allegations against Meranda.
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In response, Meranda’s counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, sought an adjournment to allow time to address 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 separate twist, Obasa attempted to replace the Assembly’s legal representation in the case, leading to a courtroom dispute.
Olusola Idowu, SAN, appeared as the incoming counsel for the Assembly, but Falana objected, citing a Court of Appeal decision that requires a trial court to first hear an application for a change of counsel before considering other submissions.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that all applications and processes would be heard together at the next sitting.
“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,” the judge said.
The case was adjourned until March 17 for the hearing of all pending applications.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
