Impeached Lagos Speaker Obasa Returns to Nigeria, Calls Removal Unlawful

Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has returned to Nigeria, describing his removal as unlawful and insisting that due process was not followed in the decision. Obasa, who had been away when the impeachment took place, addressed his supporters on Saturday at the official residence of the Lagos Speaker in GRA, Ikeja, stating that he remained the legitimate Speaker of the House until the proper procedures were observed.

On January 13, 2025, thirty-five out of the 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly voted to impeach Obasa, citing allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement. His removal was followed by the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker.

However, Obasa, who has served as a lawmaker since 2003 and has been elected Speaker six times, expressed confidence in his position and denied the accusations against him. “I am still the Speaker until they follow the right process,” he declared, emphasizing his extensive experience in the Assembly.

Addressing the allegations made against him, Obasa strongly rejected claims of financial misconduct. “Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It’s not the Wall of Jericho, nor the wall between the USA and Mexico,” he said. He also refuted reports of inflated costs for items, including a claim that a Hilux bus was purchased for N1 billion.

Obasa thanked his supporters for their unwavering loyalty and dedication, adding, “I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations raised against me.”

The former Speaker maintained that he had done nothing wrong during his tenure, asserting, “I have been a lawmaker for over two decades, and I am the longest-serving member of the House. I have not done anything wrong.”

He further downplayed his removal, stating, “I am not afraid of being removed. After all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I represent my people, and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it right.”

Obasa also criticized the timing of his impeachment, suggesting that it was orchestrated because he was out of the country at the time. He reaffirmed his commitment to the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly and urged his colleagues to prove the allegations against him. “The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence. I believe in the image of our institution. We must not destroy it, and I will never partake in its destruction,” he added.

In closing, Obasa called for the proper procedures to be followed, urging the lawmakers to ensure transparency and accountability in their actions.