Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa’s political career took an unexpected turn on Monday when his colleagues impeached him as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. His dismissal, many believe, stemmed from his governorship aspirations, which had been gaining momentum in recent months.
Religious Endorsement Sparks Speculations
The first signs of Obasa’s ambition became public during the Lagos Assembly’s 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service, where the Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, indirectly endorsed him.
Addressing the gathering, Olawuyi emphasized the need for religious balance in Lagos politics:
“By 2027, Lagos would have had 12 years of Christian governors. It’s time to give our Muslim brothers a chance to lead. We pray God grants you your heart’s desires.”
The Archbishop’s remarks, coupled with his praise for Obasa’s leadership, ignited conversations about the Speaker’s suitability for the governorship seat.
Tinubu’s Displeasure and GAC’s Intervention
Obasa’s governorship ambition reportedly strained his relationship with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Matters escalated after Obasa, during the 2025 budget presentation, declared his readiness to govern Lagos. His public remarks, seen as audacious, angered the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who reported him to President Bola Tinubu.
According to party insiders, the GAC highlighted Obasa’s perceived disrespect toward Sanwo-Olu and the party elders. During a meeting with Tinubu, GAC Chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi expressed concerns over Obasa’s actions, which reportedly prompted Tinubu to rebuke the Speaker. This encounter marked the beginning of Obasa’s political decline.
Internal Wrangling and Controversies
Obasa’s tenure as Speaker was riddled with controversies, many of which resurfaced as his governorship ambition grew. These include:
The LCDAs Abolition Attempt
Under Obasa’s leadership, the Assembly proposed a bill to scrap the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created during Tinubu’s tenure as governor. The bill met fierce resistance from party leaders, who argued that LCDAs were crucial to Lagos’ development.
Rejection of Sanwo-Olu’s Nominees
In 2023, Obasa led the Assembly in rejecting 17 out of 39 commissioner nominees submitted by Sanwo-Olu. The decision, perceived as a power play, drew criticism from within and outside the party.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
Obasa was accused of operating multiple bank accounts linked to his BVN to siphon public funds. Investigative reports claimed he managed accounts under various aliases, allegedly using them for dubious transactions. While the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned him, Obasa dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
The N17 Billion ‘Obasagate’
Another scandal emerged when an anti-corruption group alleged that the Assembly allocated N17 billion for the construction of a gate. Obasa denied the claims, attributing them to political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Fall of a Political Heavyweight
Despite his long-standing influence in Lagos politics, Obasa’s impeachment underscores the unpredictability of power dynamics. His removal reflects the party’s efforts to maintain unity and discipline amidst rising ambitions.
While Obasa may have envisioned a path to the governorship, his colleagues and party elders saw his actions as overreaching. The Speaker who once commanded the Lagos Assembly now faces an uncertain political future.
