With his emergence as the consensus candidate for the House of Representatives, there are growing suggestions that Obasa may eventually become another James Abiodun Faleke a powerful grassroots politician who spends decades in the Green Chamber while maintaining strong influence back home.
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In a political environment where relevance can disappear overnight, Obasa has continued to prove that he is not a man to be underestimated.
From his humble beginnings as a councillor in Agege to becoming Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly for an unprecedented third consecutive term, Obasa’s political journey reflects resilience, strategy, and deep-rooted influence within the Lagos APC structure.
His years in the Assembly have not only given him legislative experience but also positioned him as one of the most powerful political actors in the state.
Many political observers often point to the fate of former Speakers and Deputy Governors in Lagos who struggled to remain politically dominant after leaving office.
Names like Femi Pedro, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, and Olorunnimbe Mamora all played significant roles in the state’s political evolution. However, Obasa appears determined to chart a different path.
His impeachment and dramatic return as Speaker last year further strengthened the perception that he remains deeply connected within the power circle of Lagos politics.
In a system where political miscalculations can permanently end careers, Obasa survived the storm and reclaimed his position, a development many described as a major political comeback.
By next year, Obasa would have spent about 12 years as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, making him the longest-serving occupant of the office in the state’s history.
The position itself commands enormous influence, and many political insiders believe the Lagos Speaker’s office holds weight comparable to that of some governors across the country.
Obasa’s ambition to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was reportedly one of the worst-kept secrets in Lagos politics. Although the governorship calculations did not materialise, attention later shifted to the Lagos West Senatorial seat, where he was also said to be making strategic moves.
However, political intervention and the need to preserve female representation reportedly worked in favour of Senator Idiat Adebule, eventually putting an end to the senatorial project.
Despite those setbacks, Obasa never allowed his political structure to weaken.
What is currently playing out in Agege reflects a carefully calculated political reorganisation. Obasa had initially positioned former Agege Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi, for the House of Representatives seat.
However, following the latest political arrangement that produced Obasa as the consensus candidate for the federal seat, Egunjobi is now expected to represent Agege Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly instead.
The development further highlights Obasa’s continued control of the political structure in Agege, with allies strategically positioned across different elective offices. It also reinforces the belief among APC insiders that Obasa remains one of the trusted loyalists of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within Lagos politics.
Assembly
Interestingly, many outgoing Speakers in Lagos often struggle to secure another major elective office immediately after their tenure. Obasa, however, has defied that political pattern. His emergence during the APC primaries without any serious opposition speaks volumes about his dominance and enduring influence.
Some political observers now believe Obasa could eventually follow the path of veteran lawmaker James Abiodun Faleke, becoming one of those influential politicians who spend decades in the House of Representatives while steadily building national relevance and maintaining grassroots control back home.
For Obasa, the move to the Green Chamber may not necessarily be a step down politically, but rather a long-term strategy to preserve influence within both Lagos and national politics.
Whether admired or criticised, Mudashiru Obasa has continued to show an uncommon ability to survive political battles, rebuild alliances, and remain central to Lagos political calculations.
In the ever-competitive world of Lagos politics, that alone places him among the few political big wigs whose influence cannot be ignored.
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