Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of a Lagos State High Court heard an application on Monday regarding the Lagos Assembly’s decision to change its legal representation in the case filed by reinstated Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The Obasa – Marenda Lagos Assembly case centers on Obasa’s challenge against his removal from office.
Despite objections from Femi Falana (SAN), who currently represents the Lagos Assembly, the court continued with the application. Falana argued that the court should first consider his request for a stay of proceedings because he has already filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal following an earlier ruling.
Justice Pinheiro dismissed Falana’s objections, stating that the application to change counsel addresses his ongoing representation of the Lagos Assembly, which is the first defendant in the The Obasa – Marenda Lagos Assembly case regarding his removal.
Olusola Idowu (SAN), the lead counsel seeking to replace Falana, argued that the Lagos Assembly has the right to change counsel whenever it sees fit. He pointed out that there is an order from the National Industrial Court, Lagos, calling for the reinstatement of the suspended clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, who has since hired a new legal team to represent the House.
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Falana replied that he has not been officially dismissed by the Lagos Assembly and noted that the Industrial Court did not order Onafeko’s reinstatement as claimed.
The counsel representing the erstwhile speaker, Mojisola Meranda, Akeredolu (SAN), requested that the court dismiss the application to change counsel, arguing it relates to the core issues in the case among the parties involved.
Additionally, Olu Daramola (SAN), counsel for the 33 lawmakers who support the suspension of Onafeko, stated that the majority of the lawmakers had previously decided to suspend the clerk and had appointed Falana to represent the Lagos Assembly. He further highlighted that the interpretation of the Industrial Court’s order regarding Onafeko has been misapplied since the suspended clerk has not yet been recalled.
This case continues to develop as the Lagos Assembly seeks to change counsel in the ongoing Obasa-Merida legal battle involving his removal.
