More troubles in Lagos Assembly as Obasa Files Graft Case against Meranda, Moves to Remove Her Name as Ex-Speaker
The crisis plaguing the Lagos State House of Assembly assumed another twist yesterday, as returnee Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, again wet to an Ikeja High Court to file a corruption case against his brief successor, Mrs Mojisola Meranda.
Among other prayers, Obasa urged the court to remove Meranda’s name as a former Speaker.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 over accusations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. He challenged his removal in court.
The respondents in the case included members of the Lagos Assembly and Meranda.
During the resumed hearing yesterday, 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.
The 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.
The 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 mandated 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.
Pinheiro said, “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 case was adjourned until March 17 for the hearing of the various applications filed by the parties.
(Thisday)
