Two Lagos-based advocacy groups, the Society Against Illegal Demolition and Forced Eviction (SAIDFE) and the United Action for Democracy (UAD), have called for an urgent investigation into the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. The groups allege that Obasa is being shielded from scrutiny despite mounting accusations of corruption, including claims of exorbitant spending on state projects.
At a press conference held in Ikeja on Thursday, the Secretary of SAIDFE, Opeyemi Ogunlami, expressed outrage over allegations that Obasa oversaw the expenditure of a staggering ₦15 billion to rebuild a gate valued at just ₦15 million.
“Spending ₦15 billion on a gate project that costs no more than ₦15 million is not only wasteful but deeply insulting to the people of Lagos who grapple daily with poverty and insecurity,” Ogunlami said.
A Pattern of Alleged Misconduct
This is not the first time Obasa’s name has been tied to controversy. The groups claim that numerous petitions detailing allegations of corruption have already been submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“These petitions document Speaker Obasa’s misuse of public funds and his role in undermining governance in Lagos,” Ogunlami added. “Despite this, he remains at the helm of the state assembly, a symbol of impunity and office abuse.”
The groups alleged that Obasa has actively opposed local government autonomy, stalling grassroots development in Lagos. Ogunlami described Lagos under Obasa’s watch as “a city in reverse, marked by poor governance and anti-development practices.”
EFCC Under Scrutiny
The advocacy groups also cast doubt on the impartiality of the EFCC, accusing the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, of failing to act decisively on the allegations against Obasa.
“EFCC Chair Olukoyede must ensure objectivity and justice in handling this matter,” Ogunlami stated. “No public officer should be shielded from scrutiny, no matter their political connections.”
The groups argued that Obasa’s alleged misconduct highlights broader issues of corruption within Nigerian governance, where powerful figures often evade accountability.
Calls for Action
In a strongly worded statement, the groups demanded that Obasa step down as Speaker to allow for an independent and unbiased investigation.
“Obasa must step aside while a thorough probe is conducted. His position as Speaker should not be a shield against accountability,” Ogunlami declared.
The groups also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other Lagos officials to support the investigation and uphold the principles of good governance.
“Lagos must take a stand against corruption. The state’s leaders should champion transparency and ensure that governance reaches the grassroots,” Ogunlami added.
Lagos in the Spotlight
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, has frequently been at the center of governance-related controversies. The state, known for its vibrant economy, is also plagued by a high poverty rate, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity.
Observers argue that allegations like those against Obasa undermine public trust in leadership and stall progress in addressing Lagos’s pressing challenges.
“While other global cities are advancing in infrastructure and governance, Lagos is bogged down by corruption and inefficiency,” Ogunlami lamented during the press conference.
Public Reaction
News of the allegations has sparked widespread criticism from Lagos residents and civic organizations. Many believe that the accusations against Obasa are a litmus test for the state’s commitment to transparency and justice.
“If ₦15 billion was truly spent on a gate project, then Lagosians deserve answers. The government must take swift action to restore public confidence,” said Adebayo Oke, a political analyst based in Lagos.
Historical Context
Mudashiru Obasa, who has served as Speaker since 2015, has faced multiple allegations of corruption in the past. In 2020, he was accused of financial misconduct involving contracts awarded to companies linked to him and his associates. While these allegations generated public outrage, no substantive action was taken, fueling perceptions of systemic impunity.
The current accusations could reignite calls for reform in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, which critics say is hampered by political interference and selective prosecution.
Broader Implications
The advocacy groups emphasized the need for broader reforms to ensure local government autonomy and accountability in Lagos.
“Strengthening local government independence is the key to grassroots development. It brings governance closer to the people and prevents unchecked power at the state level,” Ogunlami argued.
They called for a renewed focus on governance that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary Lagosians over the interests of a few powerful individuals.