The recently impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, returned to Lagos on Saturday, and his loyalists are leaving no stone unturned to celebrate his arrival. Despite the controversies surrounding his tenure, Obasa’s homecoming is set to include a grand reception at his residence in the highbrow Joel Ogunnaike area of GRA, Ikeja, at 9:00 a.m.
Sources close to the legislative circle revealed that Obasa’s supporters have organised a “lavish party” to welcome him, even as questions linger about his alleged misconduct and financial improprieties.
Obasa was impeached earlier this month by a decisive majority of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The impeachment, supported by over two-thirds of the 40-member legislature, was linked to allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, marking the end of his nearly decade-long tenure as Speaker.
A Controversial Tenure Ends
Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency I, was first elected to the Assembly in 2007 and became Speaker in 2015. His leadership tenure was fraught with accusations of financial mismanagement. In one high-profile case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly investigating him for alleged misappropriation of ₦43.5 billion in state funds.
His impeachment, finalised on January 13, 2025, came amidst mounting pressure over his alleged actions, including reports of approving millions of naira for personal use through fraudulent contract awards.
His departure to the United States shortly after his removal raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting it was an attempt to evade scrutiny.
EFCC Investigations and Past Allegations
The EFCC’s probe into Obasa’s tenure is not his first brush with scandal. In 2020, reports emerged detailing how Obasa allegedly diverted ₦53 million earmarked for an official trip to the United States. The funds were initially approved for Obasa and other legislative staff to attend the 2019 US-Nigeria Trade and Investment Global Summit in Georgia.
However, documents obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that the summit was postponed, yet the funds were not returned to the state treasury. Instead, Obasa reportedly travelled to the US with his mistress, who also served as his protocol and external relations officer in the Assembly.
“No other staff or members of the Assembly attended the summit,” a source confirmed. “It was an act of personal indulgence funded by public money.”
Further allegations of misuse of public funds under Obasa’s leadership included a staggering ₦17 million monthly allocation for maintaining his personal residence and guest house.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
Following Obasa’s impeachment, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was sworn in as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Her appointment is historic, as she becomes the first female Speaker in Lagos State’s legislative history.
In her inaugural speech, Meranda pledged transparency and a renewed focus on serving Lagosians. “The Assembly will prioritise accountability and ensure that the trust of the people is never betrayed again,” she stated.
Critics Question Celebration Amid Allegations
Obasa’s planned welcome party has sparked criticism from civil society groups and political commentators. Many argue that celebrating a leader mired in allegations of corruption sends the wrong message.
“This lavish reception is a slap in the face of Lagosians who deserve accountability from their leaders,” said Bolaji Adebayo, a governance analyst. “The state is grappling with challenges, and this celebration is insensitive and tone-deaf.”
Others, however, view the event as a show of solidarity by Obasa’s supporters, who believe his impeachment was politically motivated.
“It is not uncommon in Nigerian politics for leaders to face allegations that are never proven,” a source close to Obasa’s camp said. “This welcome party is about showing loyalty and support for a man who served Lagos for over a decade.”
