Published Monday 13th January 2025.
The Speaker of The Lagos State House of Assembly,Mudashiru Obasa, has been impeached following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
In an emergency sitting held earlier today, lawmakers of the Lagos Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of his impeachment after a report by a committee investigating allegations against him was presented.
The report accused Obasa of financial impropriety, abuse of power ,and misconduct deemed detrimental to the integrity if the Assembly.
The impeachment process was said to have been triggered by mounting concerns over alleged mismanagement if public funds and other unethical practices. Details of the allegations and subsequent actions taken by the Assembly are expected to emerge in the coming days.
This marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Lagos State. Obasa, who was first elected Speaker in 2015, was accused of financial misappropriation by a self-proclaimed anti corruption group.
The group alleged that the Assembly, under Obasa’s Leadership spent a staggering #17 billion on constructing the lawmakers building gate. It also claimed that the House spent #200 million on its recently organised 22nd Thanksgiving service for the staff.
Reconvening on Monday, The Lawmakers reportedly impeached the Speaker,citing allegations of abuse of office and gross financial misconduct. There have also been allegations of mishandling constituency funds and projects.
Obasa who represents Agege State Constituency 1 in 2007 has been reelected four times in 2011,2015, 2019 and 2013 . Members of the Assembly immediately elected Mojisola Meranda representing Apapa 1 State Constituency as the new Speaker.
His tenure has been marked by repeated allegations of fraud and misuse of political power.In 2020, investigations exposing how Obasa allegedly funneled Lagos State funds into his personal businesses and accounts. Around the same period, several properties linked to him across Lagos were revealed.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited Obasa for questioning after mounting media coverage of his alleged corruption. Although he denied the accusations, no formal charges were brought against him following his meeting with the anti graft commission.
Our information shows that he was consumed by race of 2027 Lagos State Governorship election which he has indicted interest to run and has been opposing the incumbent governor on many state policies.
It was reported that President Tinubu had earlier warned him to respect the state governor, Sanwo-Olu . The change was inevitable though, Mudashiru Obasa exhibited arrogance, uncompromising attitudes and ego in dealing with his colleagues. This event will have great effects on his political career.
The Deputy Speaker,Mojisola Lasbat Meranda ,has taken over as the new Speaker While Hon.Fatai Mojeed, The Deputy Chief Whip, has been elected as the Deputy Speaker.
Obasa had been embroiled in controversy with allegations of using proxy companies to embezzle funds from the Assembly, by passing due process and procurement regulations. Despite his defense against these allegations, Despite his defense against these all, the House Members have decided to remove him from office.
Ayobo/IpajaTV.com 