Politics
Revealed! Why Lagos Speaker Who Mocked Sanwo-Olu Was Impeached
By Benjamin Abioye
The Lagos State House of Assembly has explained the reasons behind the impeachment of its former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday.
Lawmakers pointed to several issues, such as Obasa’s persistent lateness, his authoritarian leadership style, and his role in inciting divisions among members. These factors contributed to his removal from office.
In a motion moved by Femi Saheed, Obasa was accused of gross misconduct and authoritarian leadership. According to the motion, which referenced Section 92(2)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution, Obasa was “perpetually late to legislative sessions and meetings,” displayed “highhandedness,” and “abused office and privileges.” The motion also claimed he “intimidated and oppressed members, inciting divisions among them” and demonstrated “undemocratic and authoritarian tendencies.” Saheed emphasized that the impeachment was necessary “to restore order and democracy within the Assembly.”
The motion passed with the support of 32 members who voted in favor of the removal. This decision led to Mojisola Meranda becoming the new Speaker, making her the first female to hold the position in the Assembly’s history. Other changes followed, with Fatai Mojeed appointed as Deputy Speaker and Abubakar Ottun named Acting Clerk after the suspension of Olalekan Onafeko.
Security was intensified around the Assembly complex following the impeachment, with personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Task Force, and the state police deployed to maintain order. Some individuals who attempted to disrupt the process were arrested, and amulets allegedly belonging to Obasa’s supporters were seized.
Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, spoke on behalf of the Assembly and confirmed that the impeachment was a “unanimous decision” by the lawmakers. He explained that the leadership change was made to ensure a more inclusive and democratic process. “The Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa,” Tobun said. “The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers. The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.”
He also stated that all standing committees and principal officer positions had been dissolved to pave the way for the new leadership. “We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun added.
Obasa’s tenure was also marred by allegations of financial mismanagement. It was claimed that ₦44 billion allocated for vehicle purchases and capital projects was misused. Official records showed that, despite the significant budget, no vehicles were bought in 2023, and only a small portion of the 2024 vehicle budget had been accounted for. This sparked public outrage and raised questions about possible fund diversion.
Critics also questioned Obasa’s allocation of funds for dubious capital projects. These included ₦1.1 billion for properties in 2023, ₦126 million for properties in Abuja in 2024, and ₦15.65 billion for office construction. Many residents found these expenditures excessive, particularly when essential sectors like healthcare and education were underfunded.
Resistance against Obasa’s leadership was growing within the Assembly. New lawmakers, as well as some older members, began challenging his financial decisions and calling for greater transparency. Sources revealed that Obasa’s “divide-and-rule” tactics were backfiring, and his critics were gaining support.
Public frustration over Obasa’s alleged mismanagement intensified, especially after revelations about the ₦30.19 billion allocated for vehicles in 2023, despite no vehicles being purchased. Questions were also raised about the ₦17 billion allegedly spent on constructing a new gate for the Assembly. In response, Obasa dismissed these claims, calling them “fake news” and “spurious.” He argued that the accusations stemmed from “the fear of some people over 2027 polls,” which were still years away.
In a plenary session, Obasa further denied claims that ₦200 million was spent on a Thanksgiving Service for Assembly staff. He said, “How much is the allocation of the Assembly in the whole year that we will decide to spend ₦17 billion on a gate? They even claimed that we expended ₦200 million on thanksgiving that did not hold.”
Despite his denials, critics continued to demand accountability from the Assembly, urging the public to question the allocation of funds for projects unrelated to the state’s most pressing needs. Concerns about transparency and the use of public funds remain a key issue as Lagosians continue to seek answers.
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