Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has declared that he is fully qualified to become the Governor of Lagos State.
Obasa made this bold statement shortly after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the proposed ₦3 trillion budget for 2025.
The Speaker’s remarks came in response to allegations from political opponents who accused him of using his influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to further personal ambitions.
Addressing the claims, Obasa stated that his primary goal is to strengthen the APC and ensure its continued success in the state.
“I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate,” he said.
“This has been misconstrued by some political detractors as a selfish aspiration for me to become governor of the state.”
Obasa clarified that while he has not actively pursued a gubernatorial bid, he does not lack the qualifications or experience to take on the role.
“Those who have been before me are not better off,” he declared.
Obasa didn’t mince words as he took on those he accused of distorting his intentions.
“To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally: our intention is to promote our party,” he asserted.
The Speaker dismissed claims that he was trying to validate his candidacy by relying on his familial ties in Lagos.
“I do not need local validity to contest or run. If eventually I am contesting, I will do so from Agege!” he proclaimed.
Obasa also used the occasion to reiterate the importance of maintaining the independence of the legislative arm of government.
“This House, of course, recognises this and will always be so, even though we work hand-in-hand with other arms of government,” he said.
He issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to undermine the legislature’s autonomy.
“No one will violate any temple and expect the gods to accept their sacrifice,” Obasa declared, drawing from Yoruba proverbs.
Turning his attention to the governor’s ₦3 trillion budget proposal, Obasa assured Sanwo-Olu that the House would carefully scrutinise it.
“We will never be disgraced, abused, or ridiculed in the name of creating a seamless working ambiance,” he said.
Obasa underscored the legislature’s commitment to ensuring the budget serves the best interests of Lagosians.
The Speaker concluded his speech with a series of proverbs, warning those who seek to undermine the institution he leads.
“Those who live in glass houses must not throw stones,” he said.
He also invoked a Yoruba saying: “Eni ba yara logun ngbe”—the god of iron recognises the swift ones.
“This is a message for those who are planning to interfere in this House or destroy the cohesion of this institution,” he cautioned.
