By Adekunle Peters
The suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, at an Ikeja, Lagos High Court, took a new twist on Monday, following additional affidavits added by the lawmaker.
These affidavits contained serious fraud allegations against former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
It would be recalled that Obasa is challenging the allegations of fraud, abuse of office, high-handedness and gross misconduct, that led to his initial removal as Speaker.
Respondents in the suit are members of the State Assembly and former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
During the resumed hearing on Monday, Lead Counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the Court that Obasa’s Lead Counsel, Mr. Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had served additional affidavits.
The additional affidavits prompted Meranda’s Counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), to request an adjournment to respond to the new application.
“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.
More drama however ensued Obasa unilaterally changed the counsel representing the Assembly in court.
Consequently, Mr Olusola Idowu (SAN), announced appearance as an incoming Counsel to represent the House of Assembly in the case, which Mr. Femi Falana vehimently kicked against.
He, thereafter, prayed the Court to hear application on the change of Counsel.
Falana argued that Court of Appeal decision had mandated a trial Court to hear application for change of Counsel before any other applications could be entertained.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, however, held that the hearing of all applications and processes before the Court would be taken at once.
Pinheiro ordered all parties to file, serve and exchange their processes before 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 counterapplication,” she said.
The court adjourned the case until March 17 for the hearing of various applications filed by the parties.
Obasa was impeached on Jan. 13 over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, leading to the deputy speaker’s election as his replacement.
However, on March 3, Obasa was reinstated as speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa’s return followed Meranda’s resignation.
