In his absence from plenary, the House voted to remove him, subsequently electing Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, his deputy speaker representing Apapa Constituency I, as the first female speaker in the history of Lagos State House of Assembly....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Lagos State’s political landscape, the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday removed its long-serving Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, marking the end of his decade-long leadership of the state’s legislative chamber.
His removal, which occurred during his absence from plenary, marks the end of his third term as speaker and introduces Mojisola Meranda, formerly his deputy as the first female speaker in the state’s legislative history.
From grassroots to legislative leadership
Mudashiru Obasa’s political career spans over two decades, beginning at the grassroots level when he was elected as a councilor in Agege Local Government (LGA) at the age of 26 under the Alliance for Democracy Party (1999-2002). His early political prowess was evident as he served as chairman of the committee on education and later as deputy leader of the legislative council in Agege LGA.
His ascent continued with his election to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003, representing Agege Constituency I. Obasa’s political prowess saw him win consecutive re-elections in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, establishing himself as one of the longest-serving lawmakers in Lagos State’s history. Obasa’s legislative career flourished as he also chaired several key committees, including rural development, public account (local government), and budget and economic planning. His legislative career reached its peak in 2015 when he was elected as speaker in former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.
A legacy of controversies & allegations
Despite his political achievements, Obasa’s tenure as speaker has been shadowed by persistent allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office. In 2020, he faced multiple corruption allegations, including claims of diverting public funds to personal accounts and creating phantom companies for government contracts.
A particularly damaging investigation was the assembly’s expenditure of ₦2.4 billion on vehicles within just 11 months under his leadership. The situation intensified when his bank transaction details became public, showing suspicious transfers totaling ₦568,4 million to a company said to belong to him.
While Obasa consistently denied wrongdoing and was cleared by an internal house panel, civil society groups dismissed the investigation as a mere “smokescreen.” The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) became involved, freezing his accounts, though they were later released following an uncontested court application.
In April 2020, Obasa was at the center of another controversy when he organised a bread distribution event in Agege as a Covid-19 relief measure. This event drew significant criticism because it led to large gatherings, flouting the social distancing rules set by both national and state governments to curb the spread of the virus.
His public statements sometimes sparked controversy, particularly during the #EndSARS protests when he was quoted saying “the Lagos State House of Assembly will not acknowledge the death of miscreants at the hands of the Police Force” during discussions about the Lekki incident.
Tensions with Governor Sanwo-Olu
The relationship between Obasa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu showed signs of strain in 2023 when the Assembly rejected 17 of the Governor’s 39 commissioner nominees. Although Obasa publicly denied any rift, the situation necessitated intervention from the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), a powerful political lobby in the state.
Adding to the tension, Obasa made statements that were perceived as both an assertion of his own capabilities and a critique of previous leaders during the 2025 budget presentation on November 21st, 2024. Instead of focusing on the budget, Obasa used the platform to discuss his potential gubernatorial ambitions.
He stated, “Becoming a governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”. These remarks, perceived as arrogant by some in Lagos political circles, were seen as the tipping point leading to his impeachment.
The final act
The impeachment came following recent revelations about his authorisation of ₦43.5 billion for lawmakers’ backup vehicles and other controversial expenditures. In his absence from plenary, the House voted to remove him, subsequently electing Mojisola Meranda, deputy speaker representing Apapa Constituency I, as the first female speaker in the history of Lagos State House of Assembly.
Looking ahead
The coming months promise to be crucial for the former speaker’s political future. With his previously expressed gubernatorial ambitions for 2027 now potentially in jeopardy, questions arise about his next moves.
Adding to the intrigue is Obasa’s current absence from the country during this pivotal moment, raising speculation about his return and potential legal challenges. His removal also comes at a time of heightened political discussions in Lagos State which includes the rise of Meranda and the rumored candidacy of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu as a successor to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the 2027 election polls. ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
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