Lagos Assembly Stands Firm on Obasa’s Impeachment

• The Lagos State House of Assembly unanimously impeached Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety, including misuse of funds
• Obasa claims his removal was unconstitutional, but the Assembly asserts their decision was lawful and backed by a majority of members

The Lagos State House of Assembly has defended its decision to impeach its former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, amid claims by Obasa that his removal was unconstitutional.

The Assembly, on January 13, unanimously voted to impeach Obasa over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The impeachment followed accusations of financial impropriety, including the alleged expenditure of ₦17 billion on a gate for the Assembly complex.

Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015, was removed in a session where over two-thirds of the members supported the decision. The lawmakers subsequently elected Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker.

Addressing his supporters at his residence in Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa maintained that he remains the Speaker until proper procedures are followed.

“If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it. I believe in fate as a Muslim, but let’s do things the right way,” he said.

In a statement signed by Ogundipe Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly, the lawmakers reiterated that the decision to impeach Obasa was lawful and backed by a majority of members.

The statement read:
“It is imperative to clarify that over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

“We stand by the decision taken to impeach Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and shall defend our position to the end.

“As elected representatives of the people, we are committed to good governance and fostering harmonious relationships with other arms of government. The claims made by the former Speaker are uncalled for and unparliamentary.

“All members have the statutory right to elect or remove their principal officers, including the Speaker. The majority decision to remove Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa remains final, and we urge him to adopt a peaceful and conciliatory approach as other members have done.”

The lawmakers also cautioned against actions that could destabilize the Assembly or disrupt governance, emphasizing their resolve to resist any attempts to heat up the polity.