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Explainer: The Many Grievous Sins of Impeached Lagos Assembly Speaker Obasa (Part I)

Published

15 hours ago

Jan 14, 2025.

Explainer: The Many Grievous Sins That Led To Mudashiru Obasa's Exit As Lagos Speaker (Part I)

Obasa impeached on allegations of financial recklessness
Obasa accused of gross misconduct
Obasa accused of high handedness

In a dramatic turn of events resembling a Hollywood blockbuster, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, was unanimously impeached by members of the House yesterday.

Eko Hot Blog gathers that Obasa, a sixth-term lawmaker representing Agege Constituency I, was removed from his position while in the United States.

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Having first been elected to the Assembly in 2007 and serving as Speaker since 2015, Obasa’s tenure ended abruptly following allegations of highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership, intimidation, and financial impropriety.

Lagos Ex- Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa

The many grievous sins of the Obasa-led Assembly were listed, culminating in the sudden exit of the long-serving Lagos lawmaker.

Kehinde Adeleye, Eko Hot Blog’s political reporter, highlights some of the perceived misdeeds of the Obasa-led Assembly:

2023 And 2027 Aspirations

In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Mudashiru Obasa aspired to become the senator representing Lagos West in the National Assembly.

Despite scheming for the position, he was instead offered the opportunity to serve a third term as Speaker—a move that did not sit down well with him. Obasa’s ambitions grew as he pushed further toward his political goals.

Budget Saga And Governorship Ambition

The 2025 budget presentation began on a positive note with the attendance of Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor

However, events took a dramatic turn when 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.

The GAC Factor

The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a pivotal decision-making body in Lagos politics, reportedly played a role in Obasa’s downfall.

Obasa with members of GAC

He was accused of sidelining some GAC members, exhibiting pride, and attempting to build his own power base.

This behaviour drew parallels with former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was denied a second term despite notable achievements.

The LG/LCDA Election

Controversy arose when the Lagos Assembly announced that elections would only hold in the state’s 20 LGAs, with mayors appointed for the remaining 37 LCDAs. Critics viewed this as an attempt by Obasa to consolidate power by installing loyalists.

Following backlash, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi clarified that elections would hold across all LGAs and LCDAs, a move believed to have been influenced by President Tinubu.

The Tinubu Factor

President Tinubu, widely regarded as the architect of Lagos’s modern political structure, was once a mentor to Obasa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

However, Obasa’s growing defiance and ambition appeared to have crossed a line. When Tinubu returned to Lagos during the festive season, his intervention is believed to have ultimately sealed Obasa’s fate.

Allegations Of Misconduct

In a motion moved by Femi Saheed under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, Obasa was accused of gross misconduct, highhandedness, abuse of office, and authoritarian leadership.

The motion, citing Section 92(2)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution, was adopted by 32 members through a voice vote, effectively ending Obasa’s decade-long tenure as Speaker.

Allegations Of Financial Recklessness

Obasa faced allegations of financial mismanagement, including the misappropriation of ₦44 billion allocated for vehicles and capital projects over two years.

Investigations revealed discrepancies in budget implementation, with vehicles reportedly unpurchased despite substantial allocations.