POLITICS NIGERIA reports that on Monday, lawmakers unanimously decided to remove Obasa from his position, accusing him of gross misconduct, abuse of power, and financial mismanagement.
His tenure, which was over ten years, ended in a dramatic session marked by tension and heightened security at the Assembly complex.
Lawmakers cited numerous allegations against Obasa, including perpetual lateness to legislative sittings and meetings, high-handedness, and an authoritarian leadership style. He was also accused of intimidating and inciting lawmakers against one another, gross abuse of office, and a lack of accountability in handling Assembly funds.
These claims were presented in a motion raised by Femi Saheed, who described Obasa’s leadership as detrimental to the integrity of the Assembly. The motion moved under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, called for his immediate removal in accordance with constitutional provisions.
A voice vote was eventually called, and following the consent of thirty-two lawmakers, the motion was adopted, sealing Obasa’s impeachment.
In his place, the Assembly elected Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, as the new Speaker.
Meranda becomes the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Fatai Mojeed was also elected as the Deputy Speaker, while Olalekan Onafeko, the Clerk of the Assembly and a close ally of Obasa, was suspended and replaced by Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk.
The impeachment session was accompanied by heightened security, with armed personnel from the Rapid Response Squad, Lagos Task Force, and state police stationed around the Assembly premises.
This publication earlier reported that some individuals, allegedly loyal to the sacked speaker attempted to invade the complex. Several arrests were made, and charms were reportedly recovered from the suspected persons.
Speaking following the session, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. 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.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”
It is understood that a significant factor in Obasa’s removal was the growing outrage over alleged financial irregularities under his leadership. Investigations revealed that over ₦44 billion had been allocated for vehicles and other projects between 2023 and 2024, yet there was little to show for these funds. In 2023, ₦30.19 billion was earmarked for vehicles, including official cars and utility buses, but no vehicles were reportedly purchased. In 2024, ₦13.33 billion was allocated for similar purposes, with only a small portion accounted for.
Other controversial expenditures under Obasa included ₦1.1 billion for properties in 2023 and ₦126 million for properties in Abuja in 2024, both of which sparked criticism as many residents questioned the necessity of such spending. Additionally, ₦15.65 billion was allocated for office construction across 2023 and 2024, despite claims that existing facilities were fully functional.
Obasa’s leadership style also faced scrutiny, with accusations of authoritarianism and divide-and-rule tactics alienating both new and long-standing members of the Assembly. His strained relationship with the executive arm of government, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, further compounded his challenges. Incidents such as his opposition to commissioner nominations and delaying budget presentations where he reportedly kept the governor waiting escalated tensions.
In response to the allegations, Obasa last year denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the claims as politically motivated. The lawmaker described the accusations as “fake news” and a desperate attempt to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He specifically refuted claims of spending ₦17 billion on a gate project and ₦200 million on a thanksgiving service, attributing such reports to misinformation and fear of his political influence.
Obasa had said, “It is so funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in the whole year that we will decide to spend N17 billion on a gate.? They even claimed that we expended 200 million on Thanksgiving, which did not hold.
“We are aware that at a period like this when we are approaching elections in 2027, we should expect such things. I think some people are scared and I don’t know why.
“This House did not and has not embarked on any such project. We are not that reckless.
“We had our Thanksgiving last Friday, and dignitaries from various parts of the State attended it.”
Credit:
Daily Times Nigeria
Dozens of heads of state and government, as well as several other celebrity guests, are in attendance at the ceremony marking the rebuilding and reopening of #NotreDame cathedral, five years after the 2019 fire which ravaged the world heritage landmark.
