Obasa was accused of perpetual lateness to legislative sections and meetings; h igh handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members
Details: Why Lagos Assembly Impeached Ex-Speaker Obasa
…Mojisola Meranda Takes Over
Lagos Lawmakers during an emergency plenary on Monday impeached the Speaker of the House over misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency in the management of the Assembly.
Obasa became Speaker of the House in June, 2015 and he has been in the assembly since 2003, when he was elected from Agege Constituency 01.
Impeachment
This motion for the impeachment of Obasa was moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency 2.
Hon. Saheed stated that in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership which included perpetual lateness to legislative sections and meetings; high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting members against one another amongst others.
He added that Obasa also practiced authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties, he then moved the motion for impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was done by 32 members through a voice vote.
The impeachment came amidst alleged clandestine campaign by Obasa to be the next Governor of Lagos State in 2027 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obasa’s removal also came few days after an online media reported that he ordered the withdrawals of a staggering 43 billion Naira for the purchase of back up vehicles for the lawmakers.
It was also gathered that Obasa was in Atlanta Georgia, United States of America, when he was impeached.
Mojisola Meranda Takes Over
The former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Mojisola Lasbat Meranda from Apapa Constituency 1, emerged as the new Speaker of the Assembly, while Hon. Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
The House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, and he was replaced by Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun as the Acting Clerk of the House.
What to know about Obasa
Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa (born 11 is a Nigerian lawyer and politician has served as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly from June 2015 until January 2025.
Obasa began his political career in 1999 when he contested for the position of councilor in Agege local government under the Alliance for Democracy party and won. He served in this role from 1999 to 2002.
In 2007, he was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Agege Constituency I. He was reelected in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
During the #EndSARS protests in his home state, Obasa gained attention for his remarks on live TV, stating, “the Lagos State House of Assembly will not acknowledge the death of miscreants at the hands of the Police Force,” while calling for a moment of silence for the victims of the Lekki Massacre and others affected across Nigeria.
Corruption Scandal
In 2020, Sahara Reporters published allegations of misappropriation of public funds against Obasa. He denied all charges. Subsequently, on 8 and 9 October 2020, he was reportedly questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sources suggested that Obasa feigned illness during the interrogation, causing it to be halted. He was taken to the EFCC’s sick bay before being released on bail.
Obasa later requested the return of his passport, claiming it was for medical treatment abroad, but subsequently traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah to meet with Bola Tinubu. He remains under investigation by the EFCC for allegations of misappropriation and fraud.
On 13 January 2025, Obasa was impeached by a majority of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Read More
