Some even argue that the position holds more financial influence than that of some state governors in Nigeria.
However, recent events have led some to question whether this prestigious role might be cursed.
The sudden impeachment of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa raises concerns that the position may entail a delicate balance within the complex political landscape of Lagos.
Speakers in Lagos need to maintain a deep understanding of the local political terrain to avoid potential pitfalls.
Holding the Speakership is a privilege, yet it also calls for a high level of awareness and political savvy to navigate the intricate web of relationships and interests that make up Lagos politics.
As the position of Speaker continues to be a sought-after role in the Lagos State House of Assembly, future occupants must learn from the experiences of their predecessors and exercise caution to avoid the seemingly inevitable downfall that has befallen many in the past.
The article ‘Explainer: The Many Grievous Sins of Impeached Lagos Assembly Speaker Obasa (Part I) dealt extensively into the rise and fall of Obasa as Lagos Assembly Speaker, however we would look at previous speakers of the house of assembly speakers in Lagos and Tinubu influence.
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Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (1999 – 2003)
In 1999, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, an influential politician in Lagos State, was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly and appointed as Speaker.
Mamora’s political career saw him hold significant positions, such as serving as the National Delegate for the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1990 and as Secretary of Lagos East for the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in 1998.
Mamora’s growing prominence in politics led him to become the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers from 2000 to 2001.
During this time, he served alongside Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then Governor of Lagos State.
Despite both leaders emerging from the military regime, their tenure was marked by differences in their political approaches.
Mamora’s time as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly lasted for four years, after which he was elected to the Senate in April 2003 and subsequently reelected in 2007.
His departure from the House of Assembly marked the beginning of a series of changes in leadership, with Jokotola Pelumi succeeding him as Speaker.
Jokotola Pelumi ( 2003-2005)
Jokotola Pelumi, succeeded Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and had a tumultuous tenure marked by power struggles and political intrigue.
His early exit as Speaker has been a topic of discussion, with many speculating on the factors that led to his impeachment.
Pelumi’s rise to the position of Speaker in 2003 was a significant milestone for the legislator, who was well-regarded for his British legal education and intonation. However, his time as Speaker was short-lived, as he was removed from office in 2005.
Political analysts attribute Pelumi’s downfall to a fallout with the executive arm of the government and a series of allegations regarding maladministration and corruption.
Despite being a seasoned legal practitioner, Pelumi’s inability to maintain good relations with key political stakeholders may have contributed to his early exit as Speaker.
Adeyemi Kuforiji (2005-2015)
Following the impeachment of Jokotola Pelumi in 2005, Hon. Adeyemi Kuforiji from Epe 1 constituency assumed the role of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Kuforiji’s tenure spanned a decade, lasting from 2005 until 2015.
Amid allegations and indictments of laundering over N500 million by an anti-corruption commission, Kuforiji expressed his intention to run for the Lagos State governorship position.
In 2012 He was quoted as saying “To tell you that I don’t want to be governor of Lagos State in future, I’ll be telling lies,” Mr. Ikuforiji said
Some believe that if Ikuforiji hadn’t pursued the governorship position, he could have continued serving as the Lagos Speaker for a longer period.
The intricate political landscape of Lagos played a significant role in shaping the outcome, and the controversies surrounding Ikuforiji’s tenure ultimately led to his ten years exit as Lagos Speaker.
It is on record for instance that the Lagos State House of Assembly under Ikuforiji remains the only such that has full financial autonomy till today. No wonder Ikuforiji was celebrated back home on his return from the house in grand style.
Unlike Pelumi and Obasa, Ikuforiji completed his term and was the longest-serving speaker in the state’s history, aside from the EFCC case that arose clearly due to his intention to run for the governorship which many political observers believe was manufactured against him to sway him off his gubernatorial ambition.
Ikuforiji is currently one of the members of the Governors Advisory Council (GAC), a highly rank body within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mudashiru Obasa (2015-2025)
The removal of Ex speaker Mudashiru Obasa has put Lagos Assembly in the news in the last few days, Obasa who had succeeded Ikuforiji, had wanted to become Lagos Governor just like his predecessor, a move many political Godfathers sees as too ambitious.
To break the camel’s back Obasa made controversial remarks, claiming that those who had previously served as governor in Lagos were no better than him.
Many interpreted his comments as prideful and disrespectful, particularly towards President Bola Tinubu, who governed Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.
Obasa’s comments sent shockwaves through the political class and alienated key power brokers. His alleged unilateral changes to the governor’s commissioner list further isolated him from allies within the APC.
Like his predecessor Jokotola Pelumi, Mudashiru Obasa was accused of being unable to maintain good relationships with members of the legislative arm and engaging in power struggles with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Governor’s Advisory Council saw these issues as detrimental to the state’s political harmony.
Under Obasa’s leadership, the Lagos State House of Assembly played a significant role in the state’s political machinery.
His loyalty to Bola Ahmed Tinubu was well-known, making his impeachment a surprising turn of events for many who had considered him invincible however the big stick was wielded on the Agege politician.
The Tinubu Influence
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s influence on Lagos politics is undeniable, as his governance from 1999 to 2007 established a robust political structure that continues to shape the state’s political landscape.
The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), believed to be the highest decision-making body within Lagos State’s ruling party, enables Tinubu to maintain control over political appointments even after his tenure.
Tinubu’s endorsement is often seen as a prerequisite for any governorship aspirant within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, this political dynasty demands strict loyalty and adherence to established protocols.
Analysts suggest that these traits are crucial for political survival within the APC, leaving little room for dissent or deviation from the party line.
As a result, the Tinubu-led APC has created a system where political actors must navigate a complex web of power dynamics, prioritizing allegiance to the party’s leadership and its vision for the state’s future.
This dynamic has far-reaching implications for the Lagos State House of Assembly and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
Dr. Kayode Esuola, a political scientist at the University of Lagos, observed that Obasa’s early declaration of interest for 2027 was ill-timed.
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“Having political ambition without clearance from the head of the political hierarchy is a misstep. By publicly revealing his intentions too early, Obasa went against the rules of political engagement in such a structured system,” Esuola said.
It’s worthy to note that Tinubu commands unwavering loyalty from lawmakers in Lagos, as he is widely recognized as the political father figure of the state.
His influence extends to all aspects of the state’s political landscape, making his support essential for any ambitious politician seeking to advance their career.
Most importantly despite giving his political godson the opportunity to govern, the master strategist know exactly when to clip the wing of anyone, a move many political observers sees as a curse to political settings and Speakership sit in Lagos.
