Troubles have intensified for the recently impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. A startling document that emerged on social media has revealed that his name is conspicuously absent from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
This critical document, dated July 24, 2020, was a response from the Supreme Court to an inquiry about Obasa’s status as a lawyer. It was signed by Gertrude Karenton-Mordi, acting on behalf of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.
The letter, titled “Re: Verification of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” indicates the apex court’s position: Obasa is advised to present relevant documents for enrolment, as he is not listed among its records.
The letter states: “We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 23rd July 2020 concerning the aforementioned subject matter.
“This is to inform you that we have checked our records and cannot find the name: MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA on the numerous Rolls of Legal Practitioners maintained in this Honourable Court.
“MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA is at liberty to approach this Honourable Court with his Call to the Bar and qualifying certificates for enrolment. Should he have undergone a change of name, he must provide proof of the same.”
Amidst this unfolding saga, Dr Fetus Akande, the spokesman for the Supreme Court, confirmed the authenticity of the document, stating, “It did originate from our office.”
While Obasa asserts that he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from Lagos State University in 2006, concerns have been raised following an anonymous inquiry sent to the apex court on July 23, 2020, questioning the inclusion of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa in the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
Recall that on Monday, Obasa was impeached from his position as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, making way for the first female speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda. His impeachment was rooted in serious allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
