Fresh revelations have surfaced following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
On Monday, lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Obasa, citing gross misconduct, abuse of power, and financial mismanagement during his over ten-year tenure.
According to Politics, the impeachment session, which unfolded amidst heightened security at the Assembly complex, was marked by tension and dramatic proceedings.
Allegations against Obasa included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions, authoritarian leadership, and a lack of financial accountability. Lawmakers also accused him of intimidating colleagues, inciting division, and mismanaging Assembly funds.
Femi Saheed, who initiated the motion for impeachment under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, described Obasa’s leadership as detrimental to the integrity of the Assembly. With 32 lawmakers in favor, the motion was swiftly adopted, leading to Obasa’s removal.
A New Era: Mojisola Lasbat Meranda Becomes Speaker
Following Obasa’s impeachment, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda of Apapa Constituency I was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Additionally, Fatai Mojeed was elected as Deputy Speaker. The Assembly Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, an ally of Obasa, was also suspended and replaced by Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk.
Heightened Security and Alleged Sabotage
The session was accompanied by a heavy security presence, with armed personnel from the Rapid Response Squad, Lagos Task Force, and state police deployed around the premises. Reports indicate that individuals loyal to the ousted Speaker attempted to disrupt proceedings. Several arrests were made, and charms were allegedly recovered from the suspects.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
A significant factor in Obasa’s impeachment was mounting outrage over financial irregularities. Investigations revealed that between 2023 and 2024, over ₦44 billion was allocated for vehicles and projects with little evidence of implementation. For instance, ₦30.19 billion was reportedly allocated for vehicles in 2023, yet no purchases were made, while another ₦13.33 billion was allocated in 2024, with minimal accountability.
Controversial expenditures also included ₦1.1 billion for properties in 2023, ₦126 million for properties in Abuja in 2024, and ₦15.65 billion for office construction, despite claims that existing facilities were adequate. These financial discrepancies, coupled with allegations of authoritarianism and strained relations with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, added to the pressure for Obasa’s removal.
Obasa’s Defense and Denials
In response to the allegations, Obasa consistently denied any wrongdoing. Last year, he dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, labeling them as “fake news” aimed at undermining his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is laughable. How much is the Assembly’s total yearly allocation that we would spend ₦17 billion on a gate? They even claimed we spent ₦200 million on a Thanksgiving service that didn’t happen,” Obasa remarked, adding that his critics were merely attempting to diminish his political influence.
As the Lagos State House of Assembly moves forward under new leadership, stakeholders and residents are keenly watching to see how the changes will impact governance and accountability.
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