Olalekan Onafeko, the reinstated Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has returned to his office, citing a court order that mandated his resumption. Onafeko’s reinstatement comes after his indefinite suspension by the House on January 13, the same day that Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker by 36 of the 40 lawmakers present.
In his statement to the press on Thursday, Onafeko explained that he had approached the National Industrial Court (NIC) to challenge his suspension, and the court ruled in his favor, ordering his reinstatement pending the resolution of his suit against the state government and other parties involved.
Onafeko clarified that his appointment as Clerk in 2022 was for a four-year term, and he was eligible for reappointment under the Lagos State House of Assembly Legislative Service Commission Law. He expressed his confusion over the suspension, pointing out that he was never given any prior notice and did not commit any actions warranting such an extreme measure.
“By the court’s order, I am resuming my duties as Clerk of the House pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction,” he stated. “This is a victory for the rule of law and for the principles of a civil society. The court remains the last hope for the oppressed.”
Onafeko emphasized that the court’s ruling had put an end to what he described as “illegality” and “legislative rascality,” signaling a win for fairness and legal processes.
