The sudden impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has left political ripples throughout the state. The controversial decision to remove him from office, after a decade in power, has sparked a flurry of reactions and revelations from lawmakers. According to several members of the Assembly, Obasa’s leadership was characterized by gross misconduct, poor management, and authoritarian tendencies.
On January 12, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly voted unanimously to impeach Obasa, with the motion being brought by Femi Saheed, a member representing Ibeju-Lekki Constituency. In his address, Saheed laid out a series of allegations against the former speaker, accusing him of financial mismanagement, a disregard for democratic processes, and a series of personal conduct issues that violated the norms of governance.
“We could no longer ignore the continuous abuse of power, the intimidation of fellow lawmakers, and the sheer disregard for the democratic processes that guide our Assembly,” Saheed remarked after the impeachment. “Mudashiru Obasa’s leadership was not just ineffective, it was destructive.”
The reasons for his removal were detailed further by Abiodun Tobun, the spokesperson for the Assembly. Speaking to reporters, Tobun emphasized that Obasa’s tenure was marked by frequent lateness to legislative sessions, an authoritarian style of leadership, and a divisive attitude that incited hostility among fellow members. According to Tobun, Obasa’s leadership style created a toxic environment within the Assembly that ultimately stifled productive governance.
“It was a unanimous decision to remove Obasa from office,” Tobun stated. “The leadership he provided was a threat to the stability of this institution and to the image of Lagos State. We’ve made this change to safeguard the future of governance in Lagos.”
Obasa’s impeachment, which followed a voice vote by 32 members of the Assembly, also saw the removal of the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko. Onafeko, who had been a close ally of Obasa, was suspended and replaced by Abubakar Ottun as the Acting Clerk.
The legislative upheaval didn’t end there. Soon after the impeachment motion, security forces, including personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Police Command, were deployed around the Assembly complex as precautionary measures. Tensions had risen to such a level that miscreants, suspected to be loyalists of Obasa, attempted to disrupt proceedings. They were quickly apprehended, and various charms and amulets were reportedly found in their possession.
Obasa’s ‘Many Sins’ Exposed
Mudashiru Obasa, who had served as Speaker of the Assembly since 2015, was accused of numerous acts of misconduct during his time in office. His critics pointed to his frequent absences from legislative duties, a practice they said hindered the efficiency of the Assembly.
“He would often arrive late to sessions or not show up at all, leaving legislative duties in limbo,” one lawmaker, who requested anonymity, said. “This negligence affected the entire Assembly’s ability to function effectively.”
The most serious charge leveled against him was financial mismanagement. Obasa was accused of using his position to secure funding for personal and political gains, including allegedly misappropriating funds meant for public projects. Some lawmakers even alleged that Obasa ran a ‘shadow government’ with resources that were siphoned from the Assembly’s budget.
“The issue wasn’t just the delays in our work but also the way public funds were being handled. There were rumors of financial mismanagement, and no one could get a clear answer about how funds were being used,” said a member of the Assembly.
Another lawmaker, who played a pivotal role in the impeachment, highlighted Obasa’s “toxic leadership” and how he used his power to foster divisions among the members of the Assembly. “He ruled with fear, pitting lawmakers against each other. Any attempt to question his authority was met with hostility,” the lawmaker said.
Obasa’s leadership style was described by many as “autocratic,” with little room for discussion or dissent within the Assembly. Lawmakers were reportedly threatened with expulsion or other forms of retaliation if they disagreed with the Speaker.
In a statement following the impeachment, the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, vowed to lead the Assembly in a direction of unity, transparency, and accountability. Meranda, who made history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, was elected immediately after Obasa’s removal.
“We are determined to restore dignity to this Assembly,” Meranda said during her first address. “Lagosians deserve a transparent government, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that.”
Obasa’s Legacy: Tensions with the Executive and Legislative Frictions
Obasa’s tenure as Speaker was not without its controversies. One of the most prominent moments that marked his strained relationship with the executive arm of government occurred during the 2025 budget presentation. Sources reported that Obasa’s delay in arriving at the presentation left Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, waiting for an extended period.
The relationship between Obasa and Governor Sanwo-Olu had been rocky for some time, particularly when Obasa led the opposition to several commissioner nominations by the governor. The clash between the executive and legislative branches nearly escalated into a full-blown crisis, with Obasa’s opposition to the governor’s choices leading to a series of rejections. This caused significant tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The situation was only defused after intervention from national party leaders and a peace meeting held between Obasa and Sanwo-Olu. Despite the resolution, the tensions between the two branches of government lingered, with many lawmakers suggesting that Obasa’s leadership style had contributed to the discord.
The Road Ahead for Lagos State
With the departure of Obasa, the Lagos State House of Assembly has entered a new chapter under the leadership of Mojisola Meranda. The Assembly is now tasked with restoring its image and refocusing its efforts on governance. The lawmakers have vowed to work collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation of the state’s legislative activities.
Meranda’s election as Speaker marks a historic moment for the Lagos Assembly, and her leadership is being closely watched by both the public and political observers. With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and unity, she has pledged to bring about positive changes that will benefit Lagosians.
In her first address as Speaker, Meranda said, “This is a time for healing, for working together, and for rebuilding the trust that the people of Lagos have placed in us.”
The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa is a clear sign that change is often necessary for progress. Whether Meranda’s leadership will bring the desired transformation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political landscape of Lagos State is undergoing significant shifts, and the Assembly’s future will be shaped by the decisions made in the coming months.
