Lagos Assembly Crisis: Court Orders Immediate Return Of Sacked Clerk

Lagos Assembly Crisis: Court Orders Immediate Return Of Sacked Clerk

The National Industrial Court in Lagos has ruled in favor of Olalekan Onafeko, ordering his reinstatement as the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This decision reverses his removal amid the recent leadership crisis in the state legislature.……READ MORE 

Naija News reports that Justice M. N. Esowe granted an ex parte application filed by Onafeko through his counsel, Yusuf Nurudeen. The ruling directs Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed as his replacement, to stop parading himself as Clerk until the substantive suit is determined.

Onafeko was dismissed from office on January 13, 2025, following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

Obasa’s ouster sparked tensions within the Lagos State House of Assembly and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to changes in key administrative roles, including Onafeko’s replacement by Ottun.

In his lawsuit, Onafeko argued that his dismissal was politically motivated and unconstitutional. He sought an interim injunction to prevent the defendants from recognizing Ottun as the Clerk until the court hears his motion for an interlocutory injunction.

Justice Esowe ruled in his favor, ordering both parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum (the state of affairs before the crisis).

“The parties shall maintain peace and the status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined,” the judge ruled.

With this ruling, Ottun must cease performing the duties of Clerk, effectively nullifying his appointment. The case has been scheduled for a hearing on March 3, 2024.