Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has declared that he remains the rightful speaker, stating that his removal from office was unconstitutional. Speaking during a welcome event organised by his supporters, the embattled politician insisted that any change in his position must adhere to the correct legal procedures.
The event, held on Saturday at the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja GRA, saw a large turnout of Obasa’s supporters from Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe local government areas. Wearing t-shirts and caps emblazoned with his name, the crowd expressed their allegiance to the former Speaker, despite his recent removal from office.
“I am still the Speaker of the House of Assembly,” Obasa said. “The process that led to my removal did not follow the constitutional guidelines, and as such, I remain in office until the right procedure is followed.”
Obasa’s declaration follows a dramatic turn of events at the Lagos State House of Assembly. On January 13, the 40-member assembly voted to impeach him, citing allegations of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement. Over two-thirds of the members voted in favour of his removal, a decision that has sparked controversy in Lagos and beyond.
The Removal and Its Aftermath
Obasa’s impeachment came after months of tension within the Lagos Assembly, where he had been Speaker since 2015. The removal was spearheaded by his colleagues, who accused him of a range of misconducts, including allegations of financial mismanagement. However, Obasa has repeatedly denied these allegations and challenged the process that led to his removal.
“I will accept my removal if it is carried out according to the law,” Obasa stated. “But if the process was flawed, I will not step down.”
The impeachment has thrown the assembly into further turmoil. Obasa’s supporters argue that the process was politically motivated, while his critics maintain that his removal was necessary for the integrity of the legislature.
Obasa was replaced by Mojisola Meranda, his deputy, who made history by becoming the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Meranda’s election was swift, and she immediately assumed her new role, with many seeing it as a sign of a new chapter for the assembly.
Supporters Rally Around Obasa
Despite the official change in leadership, Obasa’s supporters are adamant in their belief that he remains the rightful speaker. At the welcome event on Saturday, they praised him for his leadership and vowed to stand by him in the face of the impeachment.
“We are here to show our support for Obasa. He has done a lot for Lagos, and we believe this impeachment was not fair,” said one of his supporters, Adewale Akinlolu. “Until the constitutional process is followed, he is still our Speaker.”
The gathering, which was heavily policed, included dozens of security personnel, including officers from the Nigerian Police Force, who were present to ensure order. Although the event was peaceful, questions have been raised about the appropriateness of holding such a gathering at the Speaker’s Lodge, given that Obasa is no longer in office.
Some have questioned why the venue was chosen, given that Obasa’s removal was legal, according to the majority of the assembly members. Still, for Obasa’s supporters, the Speaker’s Lodge remains a symbol of his leadership and power.
A Long-Standing Career
Mudashiru Obasa’s career in the Lagos Assembly spans over 17 years. He was first elected into the assembly in 2007, representing the Agege Constituency I. Throughout his tenure, he became a dominant figure in Lagos politics, eventually being elected Speaker in 2015. Under his leadership, the Lagos Assembly passed several key pieces of legislation and initiated numerous development projects aimed at improving the state.
However, his time in office has not been without controversy. Obasa has faced numerous allegations of corruption and mismanagement, but he has consistently denied these accusations. His supporters argue that these claims are part of a larger political scheme to undermine his influence within the assembly.
Despite the impeachment, Obasa remains a powerful figure in Lagos State politics, with a large base of support in Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe. His political influence continues to be felt, and many observers believe his removal may have more to do with intra-party politics than with any wrongdoing.
The Road Ahead for the Assembly
With the election of Meranda as the new Speaker, the Lagos Assembly is poised for a fresh start, but the questions surrounding Obasa’s impeachment have not yet been fully resolved. The former Speaker’s challenge of the impeachment could lead to further legal battles and political fallout in the coming weeks.
The Lagos State government has remained silent on the issue, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yet to make a public statement on the matter. However, analysts suggest that the governor may be waiting for the legal process to run its course before taking a stand.
In the meantime, the Lagos Assembly will likely continue to function under the leadership of Meranda, but the dispute between Obasa and his colleagues is far from over. The outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for the political landscape of Lagos State in the months to come.
Political Implications
Obasa’s insistence on his continued role as Speaker raises important questions about the political dynamics in Lagos. His supporters view the impeachment as politically motivated, potentially orchestrated by rivals within the ruling party. Obasa’s legal challenge may set a precedent for future disputes within state assemblies, especially in states with highly competitive political landscapes like Lagos.
“The removal of Obasa was not just about the allegations against him. It’s about power and control within the assembly,” said political analyst Durojaiye Olalekan. “Lagos is a key state in Nigerian politics, and what happens here often sets the tone for the rest of the country.”
