The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Mudashiru Obasa as its Speaker after nine years of leadership. Lawmakers unanimously supported his removal, citing allegations of financial misconduct and internal political power tussles as key factors.
Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment follows reports of financial irregularities, including the alleged withdrawal of ₦43.5 billion for backup vehicles for lawmakers.
Mudashiru Obasa was reportedly in Atlanta, USA, when the Assembly convened to initiate the impeachment process. Mudashiru Obasa loyalists, who later converged at the Assembly complex, were seen escorted into a Black Maria vehicle by the Lagos State Task Force.
In the leadership shakeup, the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, was elected the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, while Fatai Mojeed assumed the role of Deputy Speaker.
Announcing the changes, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, declared the decision unanimous, stating that all standing committees and leadership positions had been dissolved to pave the way for a fresh start.
“This is a new era for the Assembly,” Tobun said. “We acted to restore the integrity of this House, fulfill our duty to our constituencies, and safeguard Lagos State’s future.”
Years of Controversy and Power Struggles
Controversies, from allegations of fund diversion to strained relations with political stakeholders, marked Obasa’s tenure.
In 2020, Mudashiru Obasa faced scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged misappropriation of Lagos funds. More recently, he denied accusations that ₦17 billion was spent constructing a gate, dismissing the claims as politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mudashiru Obasa’s comments during Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s budget presentation on November 21, 2024, are believed to have hastened his downfall.
Mudashiru Obasa hinted at his potential ambition to succeed Sanwo-Olu, stating he had the experience to govern Lagos and indirectly comparing himself to past governors.
Observers noted that these remarks, perceived as overconfident and arrogant, alienated key power brokers in Lagos politics.
The Role of Tinubu and the GAC
Reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu, Lagos’ political godfather, played a critical role in Mudashiru Obasa’s removal. During a festive-season visit to Lagos, members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) reportedly presented a list of grievances against Mudashiru Obasa, including alleged disrespect toward Governor Sanwo-Olu.
President Tinubu, reportedly displeased, criticized Obasa for his leadership style and alleged poor handling of political matters.
A source revealed that Tinubu specifically referenced a bill initiated by the Assembly to sack the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission chairman, calling it an impractical endeavor. Despite a last-minute attempt by Obasa to defend himself in a private meeting with Tinubu, the decision to impeach him seemed inevitable.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fouad Oki, has defended the recent impeachment of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, describing it as a necessary action to curb his alleged authoritarian tendencies.
Speaking on a Channels Television program on Monday, Oki remarked that Obasa’s removal was not surprising to those familiar with Lagos’s political dynamics. The former speaker, who represented Agege Constituency I and served six terms in the House, had reportedly displayed behaviors that Oki characterized as imperial.
“He saw himself as an emperor,” Oki stated. “It became evident that a change in the leadership of the Lagos Assembly was overdue. For those paying attention, the signs were clear over the past 18 months.”
Citing specific incidents, Oki referenced the day Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the 2025 appropriation bill. He revealed that the governor, party leaders, and other dignitaries were kept waiting for over four hours without apology. Upon arriving at the chamber, Obasa allegedly disregarded courtesies, projecting an air of dominance.
“It was all about making everyone see that he was in charge, that he was the emperor. Such an attitude needed to be checked, and his removal was the way to address it,” Oki explained.
The APC chieftain further emphasized that the impeachment aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s political interests to maintain Lagos’ strategic importance. He disclosed that the matter had been ongoing for months, with the Governor’s Advisory Council escalating concerns to the President.
“In his wisdom, the President tried to mediate, but the former speaker’s recalcitrant attitude made resolution impossible. This ultimately led to his downfall,” Oki added.
Eyes on 2027
Obasa’s political aspirations have been linked to the 2027 governorship race. He was rumored to be considering a run, joining other potential contenders, including Seyi Tinubu, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Some political analysts believe the impeachment was a strategic move to clear the path for preferred candidates.
However, former Lagos Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji dismissed these speculations, describing Obasa’s impeachment as unrelated to the 2027 elections. “It’s an acceptable ambition,” Ikuforiji said. “But I don’t think it’s the reason for his removal.”
In an interview with TVC on Monday, Ikuforiji said: “I don’t think I will agree with that because the present governor is in his second term. He can’t run for that office again. So, there is no reason why he will be annoyed that the Speaker wants to run for the office of the governor. That cannot be part of this thing.”
Ikuforiji was asked some other questions including the influence of the GAC and other political interests and he said: “Yes there are bigger interests but I don’t think anybody in the Governor’s Advisory Council will be annoyed with a Speaker wanting to run for the office of the governor.
“I got into the House together with Obasa in 2003 and I left almost 10 years ago and he is still there. So, what next? It’s an acceptable ambition. Though you may ask yourself, the time is still so far, why getting the whole polity heated up over the issue of 2027? I don’t think it’s right.”
A New Chapter for the Assembly
Governor Sanwo-Olu, through his media aide Gboyega Akosile, distanced himself from the impeachment, calling it a legislative affair handled independently by the Assembly.
The new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has promised to focus on unity and restoring the integrity of the Lagos Assembly. Meanwhile, Mudashiru Obasa’s allies are left to grapple with the reality of his unceremonious exit after nearly a decade in power.