January 25, 2025
The political arena in Lagos has been electrified following the recent impeachment of former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. In an unprecedented twist, Obasa has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and nullify his impeachment, a move that has sparked heated debates across the state.
The Impeachment and Allegations
Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, amid allegations of gross misconduct and the alleged misappropriation of ₦43.5 billion in state funds. After his ousting, the former Speaker reportedly left Nigeria but returned after assurances that he would not face arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or other law enforcement agencies.
Tinubu’s Reaction
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a high-level meeting in Abuja following the impeachment, bringing together Lagos Assembly lawmakers, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council, and prominent APC stakeholders.
According to insiders, Tinubu expressed displeasure at the manner in which Obasa’s impeachment was handled, particularly as he learned of the development through the media. However, despite Obasa’s plea, Tinubu declined to overturn the decision, reportedly stating:
“You were not born a Speaker, and speakership was not created with you.”
Obasa’s Arguments Dismissed
Obasa contended that his impeachment should be annulled because the mace used during the proceedings was not the official one. Allegedly, he had hidden both official maces while abroad. However, lawmakers refuted his claim, asserting that they used a historical mace from the assembly’s old building, rendering his defense invalid.
Faced with resistance, Obasa shifted his focus to retrieving his personal belongings from the Speaker’s lodge and guest house, a request Tinubu approved.
A Lavish Return
Obasa’s loyalists, led by Agege Local Government Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi, have planned a grand reception for him on his return to Lagos. The event is set to take place at his Joel Ogunnaike Street residence in GRA Ikeja.
Meanwhile, his visit to the Speaker’s lodge to collect his belongings will be closely monitored by the new assembly leadership.
A New Era in Lagos Politics
Obasa’s impeachment brings an end to his nearly 10-year tenure as Speaker, a position he held since June 2015 after first being elected to the Lagos Assembly in 2007. His removal marks a turning point in Lagos politics, ushering in Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker.
Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker, has made history as the first female Speaker in the South-West, a milestone that has been widely celebrated as a victory for gender equality in Nigerian politics.
What’s Next for Obasa?
As Obasa prepares to navigate life outside the Speaker’s office, the question remains: will he stage a political comeback, or is this the end of his influential career?
For now, Lagosians await the next chapter in this dramatic saga of power, politics, and shifting alliances in the state.
