Tensions are running high at the Lagos State House of Assembly as a crisis involving the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, threatens to spiral out of control. A youth group, the Assembly of Lagos Youths, has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently strengthen security around the Assembly complex, warning that unrest is imminent as Obasa continues to lay claim to the leadership of the House despite his impeachment.
In a statement released on Sunday, Comrade Lasisi Robert, Convener of the group, raised alarm over what he described as “anarchy” looming over the state following the “reckless” actions of the impeached Speaker. The Assembly of Lagos Youths further stressed that Obasa’s defiance undermines democratic principles and poses a serious threat to peace and order within the state.
“We call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, to take immediate steps to fortify the security around the Lagos State House of Assembly. The potential for violence and chaos is high, and we cannot afford to ignore the warning signs,” Robert said in the statement.
The Legal Standpoint:
The controversial claim by Obasa to retain leadership despite being impeached has drawn attention to the legal framework surrounding the removal of an Assembly Speaker. According to Nigeria’s Constitution, the process for removing a Speaker is clear. Section 92 of the Constitution states that a Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of the House members.
In the case of Mudashiru Obasa, 32 out of 39 members of the House voted to remove him from office, fulfilling the two-thirds majority requirement. Despite this constitutional mandate, Obasa has refused to vacate his position, leading to growing unrest and confusion.
“This is not just a political issue but a constitutional one. The law is clear – Obasa was removed in accordance with the Constitution, and his claim to still be Speaker is not only unfounded but a threat to the rule of law in Lagos State,” said Robert.
The Threat of Violence:
The youth group has raised the alarm that Obasa’s defiant statements may incite violent protests or organized disturbances. Robert warned that the situation could worsen on Monday, January 27, 2025, when Obasa may attempt to gain entry to the Assembly complex, potentially accompanied by armed thugs, street urchins, and cultists.
“Given Obasa’s continued defiance, we expect that there will be attempts to bring disorder to the State Assembly. The implication of his actions is clear – we may see a repeat of the kind of lawlessness that has plagued the state in the past. This is why we urge the Governor to take decisive action,” Robert added.
The statement echoes growing concerns about the possibility of thugs and area boys being mobilized to the Assembly grounds in an effort to forcefully reinstate Obasa, exacerbating an already volatile situation. The group has made it clear that the time for inaction is over, urging the Governor to prevent any escalation of the unrest by ensuring a heavy security presence.
Obasa’s Defiant Stance:
Despite being impeached, Obasa has remained publicly adamant about his position as Speaker. In a recent address, he dismissed the impeachment as illegal, claiming that the process was flawed and had no constitutional basis. “I remain the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The removal process was a sham, and I will continue to lead,” Obasa said.
This statement has drawn the ire of many, including the Assembly of Lagos Youths, who believe Obasa’s actions are a direct invitation to anarchy.
“This is a clear invitation to chaos,” Robert said. “Obasa’s continued assertion of leadership despite being legally removed is not just reckless; it is a criminal act. We consider this a call to arms against the legitimate authorities of the state.”
The youth group has also called on the Lagos State Attorney General to immediately initiate legal proceedings against Obasa for what they termed “treasonable” actions and “reckless statements that threaten the peace and security of the state.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu Under Pressure:
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is facing increasing pressure to address the situation, has so far refrained from making public statements regarding Obasa’s defiance. However, the youth group insists that as the Chief Security Officer of Lagos State, it is his responsibility to take swift and decisive action.
The call for heightened security comes amid growing concerns that any delay in responding to the situation could embolden Obasa’s supporters and lead to a breakdown of law and order. “We fear that if immediate action is not taken, the situation could spiral into something much more serious,” Robert warned.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has long struggled with political tensions within its state assembly, but the current standoff has placed the spotlight on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership in maintaining the rule of law and order in the state.
The Bigger Picture:
The ongoing power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly is a microcosm of broader political tensions within Nigeria. At the heart of the issue is the question of how to balance the demands of political loyalty and democratic governance.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed numerous political upheavals, with defections, impeachment crises, and legal battles over the control of state houses of assembly. The current Lagos Assembly crisis follows a pattern of deepening political divisions that threaten the fragile peace in the state.
Experts have warned that the continued refusal by Obasa to relinquish power could have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape in Lagos. Some have suggested that the crisis could fuel further instability, weakening the state’s democratic institutions and emboldening other political actors to flout the law.
