More Reasons Behind Obasa’s Removal as Lagos Speaker Emerged
More Reasons Behind Obasa’s Removal as Lagos Speaker Emerged.
The reason behind Lagos house of Assembly Speaker’s removal is intriguing.
Newera News gathered that Mudashiru Obasa’s removal as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on January 2025 stemmed from a confluence of political missteps, allegations of humongous financial mismanagement, and strained relationships within the state’s political hierarchy.
Newera News correspondent uncovered the political Missteps and Ambitious moves that played the Chief role.
Obasa’s political trajectory took a contentious turn due to his perceived gubernatorial ambitions for the 2027 elections. He established the “Obasa Support Group,” extending his influence across Lagos’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
This move was interpreted by many as groundwork for a future governorship bid, unsettling existing power structures within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Further exacerbating tensions, Obasa proposed a bill granting the Assembly authority to remove the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) chairman, pressuring Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to endorse it.
Such actions were viewed as overreaching and indicative of his aspirations, leading to friction with key political figures in the state.
The discord between Obasa and Governor Sanwo-Olu became publicly evident during the 2025 budget presentation in November 2024.
Obasa delayed the session with unrelated discussions and failed to acknowledge the governor upon his arrival, signaling a blatant display of disrespect. He further declared his qualification for the governorship, stating, “I am not too young or inexperienced to be governor, and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.”
These actions were perceived as direct challenges to the governor and the party’s leadership, leading to his reprimand by President Bola Tinubu and the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
There are allegations of financial mismanagement leveled against him.
Obasa faced serious allegations of financial impropriety, notably the purported expenditure of ₦17 billion on the Assembly complex gate, a claim he dismissed as “fake news.”
Additionally, concerns arose over the allocation of ₦44 billion for vehicles and capital projects over two years, with investigations revealing discrepancies in the actual procurement of these assets. Such financial irregularities fueled public outcry and diminished trust among his legislative peers.
Strained Relationships and Loss of Support
Obasa’s leadership style reportedly alienated many within the Assembly. Accusations of high-handedness, intimidation, and suppression of members created an atmosphere of discontent.
His strained relationship with Governor Sanwo-Olu further isolated him politically. Despite warnings from party leaders to align with the governor, Obasa continued to pursue his agenda, leading to a loss of support within the APC.
Impeachment Proceedings
On January 13, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly convened to address the mounting issues surrounding Obasa’s leadership. The session culminated in a unanimous vote for his impeachment, citing gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial mismanagement, and lack of transparency. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately elected as the new Speaker, marking a historic moment as she became the first female to hold the position in Lagos State.
Implications for Legislative Independence
Obasa’s removal underscores the intricate dynamics between legislative bodies and political party structures in Nigeria. While the allegations against him provided grounds for impeachment, the involvement of the GAC and other political elites in the process raises questions about the true independence of the legislature.
The swift transition of power, with Meranda seeking the GAC’s endorsement immediately after her inauguration, highlights the enduring influence of political godfathers in Lagos State politics.
Mudashiru Obasa’s ousting as Speaker was the result of a combination of personal ambitions, alleged financial improprieties, and deteriorating political relationships. His case serves as a poignant example of how political dynamics and internal party mechanisms can significantly impact legislative leadership in Nigeria.
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