A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja presided over by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro has postponed the hearing of a lawsuit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly to March 17, 2025.
The lawsuit challenges the removal of the Speaker on January 13, 2025, following allegations of misconduct, fraud, and abuse of office by 35 lawmakers.
Among the respondents are members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The court had initially set the hearing for March 10, 2025. However, during the recent proceedings, it was revealed that new affidavits were served by the claimant’s legal team on the respondents on the same day.
The legal representatives of the House of Assembly and Meranda acknowledged the receipt of these new affidavits, highlighting the presence of serious fraud allegations within them.
An additional counsel for the House of Assembly was introduced during the session, and a request was made to address the issue of a change of counsel before any other matters.
Justice Pinheiro ruled that all pending applications, including those related to injunctions, jurisdiction, and change of counsel, will be addressed collectively on March 17, 2025. She also instructed all parties to exchange necessary documents before the next session.
After political intervention, the reinstatement of the Speaker and the voluntary step down of Meranda from the Speaker’s position to Deputy Speaker were observed. Notably, the Speaker’s decision to maintain the lawsuit despite the resolution implies ongoing tensions between him and other lawmakers.
Meranda emphasized that her choice to vacate the Speaker’s seat was in adherence to the party’s authority, not due to weakness. The lawmakers expressed their support for the party’s decision, indicating their respect for the reinstated Speaker.