What Really Happened? The Story Behind Obasa’s Impeachment as Lagos Assembly Speaker

Mudashiru Obasa, the former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was impeached this Monday. This decision didn’t really surprise many because Obasa has been involved in many controversies recently. 

During a meeting, the lawmakers voted him out, accusing him of serious misconduct and misuse of his office. Almost all the lawmakers agreed to impeach him. 

Mojisola Meranda, who used to be his deputy and has also served as a chief whip in the house, took over as the new speaker. Mojeed Fatai was chosen as the new deputy speaker.

Political Ambitions

Some people think Obasa was impeached because he might want to run for governor in 2027. He started to get into trouble when he began to set up support groups in different local government areas, which seemed to be preparing for his governorship campaign.

Obasa also proposed a bill that would let the Assembly remove the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), which seemed to challenge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. His actions didn’t sit well with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who reported him to President Bola Tinubu.

Disregarding Party and Protocol

Despite warnings from President Tinubu and the GAC to avoid using his position for personal gain, Obasa was reported to have asked lawmakers to buy gifts for his political group, going against the party’s orders. This act showed he was not following the party rules or respecting the leadership.

A Strained Relationship with the Governor

Obasa and Governor Sanwo-Olu haven’t been getting along well. This was clear when the Assembly didn’t approve some of the governor’s choices for commissioners because they weren’t well-known in their communities or didn’t bring value to elections. This move was seen as part of Obasa’s ongoing conflict with the governor.

At the start of the 10th Assembly, Obasa faced opposition from some lawmakers who didn’t support his wish to be the speaker again because of his previous harsh leadership style. It took some effort from the GAC for him to gain enough support.

Recently, the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition filed a complaint against Obasa with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of improperly spending N17 billion on a gate for the Assembly. Obasa denied these accusations, claiming they were politically motivated.

Despite saying his main goal was to strengthen the ruling party, APC, in the state and denying any plans to run for governor, not many believed him.

Public affairs commentator, Dayo Kayode, suggested that Obasa’s removal might be part of a political strategy within the APC, related to the upcoming 2027 elections.