Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), legal counsel to Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has reiterated that his client will not withdraw the lawsuit against former Speaker Mojisola Meranda and other lawmakers.
While speaking to The Punch, Fashanu refuted speculation that Obasa might abandon the case, stating that they are awaiting the court’s judgment and remain committed to seeing it through.
Though, this stance goes against the spirit of the intervention by President Bola Tinubu’s, as reports suggested that part of the resolution involved Obasa withdrawing his suit against his colleagues.
On March 17, 2025, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court reserved judgment in Obasa’s case, which challenges the legitimacy of the January 13, 2025, proceedings that led to his removal as Speaker.
The judge, after hearing preliminary objections from the defense counsels, stated that the ruling date would be communicated in due time.
Fashanu confirmed, “We are just waiting for the judgment. The court will inform us when it’s ready.”
When asked whether Obasa was considering withdrawing the case, he firmly responded, “That is not an option anymore. We have concluded arguments. There is no turning back.”
Moreover, despite Obasa’s firm position, Otunba Henry Ajomale, a former Lagos APC chairman and member of the Governance Advisory Council, expressed optimism that the Speaker would eventually withdraw the suit.
Speaking at an event in Lagos last week, Ajomale said, “Very soon, at the next sitting, you will see a difference. Someone was aggrieved and went to court, which is his right. However, with Mr. President’s intervention, I believe the case will soon be withdrawn.”
Obasa was reinstated as Speaker on March 3, 2025, after Meranda resigned from the position following a 49-day tenure.
However, the crisis had significantly disrupted the Assembly’s activities, leading to indefinite adjournment.
To resolve tensions, the APC national leadership intervened, urging lawmakers to allow Obasa’s return.
The reconciliation efforts culminated in a March 12 meeting in Abuja, where President Tinubu settled disputes between Obasa and Meranda.
