Lagos, March 10, 2025 – The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja was the scene of heightened tension today as the legal battle between reinstated Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, former Speaker Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly resumed. The case, suit number ID/9047GCM/2025, stems from Obasa’s controversial impeachment on January 13, 2025, and his subsequent reinstatement on March 3, 2025, following Meranda’s resignation from the speakership. Today’s hearing, scheduled to address all pending applications, underscored the ongoing power struggle within Lagos’ legislative body and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court, presided over by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, was packed with lawmakers, legal teams, and spectators as proceedings kicked off this morning. Obasa, represented by Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), is challenging the legality of his initial removal by 36 of the Assembly’s 40 members, who cited gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement. He argues that the impeachment was unconstitutional, as it occurred during a recess without his authorization to reconvene the House. His legal team filed additional affidavits today, reportedly accusing Meranda of fraud during her 49-day tenure as Speaker—allegations that have fueled speculation of a fresh push to discredit her legacy.

Meranda, backed by counsel Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), and 34 lawmakers, represented by Femi Falana (SAN), urged the court to dismiss Obasa’s suit, asserting it has become academic since his reinstatement. They argue that the political resolution brokered by APC elders—resulting in Meranda stepping down and resuming her role as Deputy Speaker—renders the case moot. However, Obasa’s camp insists the court must rule on the impeachment’s validity to prevent future legislative overreach, with Fashanu telling reporters outside the courtroom, “This is about the rule of law, not just politics.”

A dramatic twist emerged when it was revealed that Obasa had unilaterally replaced the Assembly’s legal team in the case, a move Falana condemned as “illegal” and a violation of legal norms. “A plaintiff cannot impose counsel on defendants,” Falana argued, highlighting the growing rift among lawmakers. The new legal representatives, Olusola Idowu (SAN) and Clement Onwuenwunor, joined the proceedings, filing additional applications that further complicated the day’s agenda.

Justice Pinheiro, aiming to manage the escalating complexity, directed all parties to finalize their filings but adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, due to time constraints and the need to review the latest submissions. Posts on X today reflected public frustration and intrigue, with some alleging Obasa’s fraud claims against Meranda are a retaliatory tactic, while others speculated the delay could prolong the Assembly’s leadership crisis.

In a significant development for Nigeria's healthcare sector, President Tinubu has approved a series of high-profile appointments and reappointments of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) across several federal hospitals. The announcements, effective immediately, signal a renewed focus on strengthening medical leadership and improving healthcare delivery nationwide. Here are the details:

All appointments carry a four-year term, effective from the respective dates of assumption of office. President Tinubu congratulated the appointees, calling on them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across the country.

On March 4, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) of Nigeria. This appointment was announced following a rigorous, merit-based selection process and takes effect on March 7, 2025, coinciding with the retirement of the incumbent AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein.

Ogunjimi, aged 57, was initially named as Madein’s successor in December 2024. His appointment was finalized after a competitive selection process overseen by a committee involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service. The process unfolded in multiple stages, including a written examination, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews. This structured evaluation was designed to ensure transparency, excellence, and competence, reflecting President Tinubu’s stated commitment to meritocracy in public service appointments.

The selection process began earlier in 2025, with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation announcing the search for a new AGF in February, ahead of Madein’s retirement. Out of 15 candidates who took the written exam, 10 advanced to the ICT proficiency test, and Ogunjimi emerged as the final appointee after the oral interviews.

Born on November 27, 1967, in Lagos, Ogunjimi brings a strong academic and professional background to the role. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990, and later earned a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the Institute of Financial Accountants in the United Kingdom, showcasing his extensive expertise in financial management.

As the Accountant General of the Federation, Ogunjimi will serve as the administrative head of the treasury of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position established in 1988 under the Civil Services Reorganization Decree No. 43. His duties include overseeing the management of all federal receipts and payments, ensuring proper accounting systems across government departments, and supervising public revenue and expenditure. President Tinubu has urged Ogunjimi to discharge these responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.

Ogunjimi succeeds Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023 as Nigeria’s first female AGF. Madein’s tenure ends on March 7, 2025, after serving nearly two years. Ogunjimi’s appointment marks a continuation of efforts to strengthen financial accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector, though it has not been without public scrutiny (see below).

The appointment has sparked varied sentiments. Official statements emphasize the rigorous and transparent selection process, with President Tinubu congratulating Ogunjimi and expressing confidence in his abilities. However, posts on X reflect some public skepticism, with allegations of nepotism due to Ogunjimi’s Yoruba heritage, aligning with the president’s ethnic background. Others have raised unverified claims about past controversies, such as alleged petitions against him, though no concrete evidence has been widely reported to substantiate these assertions as of March 4, 2025.