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Tension continues to rise in the Lagos State political arena as the impeached Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, insists that his removal was invalid. Obasa, who returned to Lagos on Saturday after a foreign trip, has declared that the impeachment carried out by the Assembly using what he described as a “fake” mace cannot stand.
Speaking to supporters at his former official lodge in Ikeja, Lagos, Obasa dismissed the allegations against him, maintaining that he remains the Speaker of the House until what he called the “right process” is followed. However, his claims have sparked widespread skepticism and criticism, with many questioning the validity of his support base.
“All members of the House are aligned with the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, so who exactly are Obasa’s supporters?” asked Lovers of Lagos, a pro-democracy advocacy group. “The former Speaker must tell us who is truly standing by him, as the Assembly has moved forward under its new leadership.”
Obasa’s Claims and Rebuttals
In his address, Obasa attempted to debunk the allegations of financial impropriety leveled against him. “Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico,” he said, mocking claims of financial mismanagement.
He further refuted accusations of overspending on vehicles and events. “How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for N1 billion each and 40 pieces for N40 billion? Talking about Thanksgiving, they should compare the one they said we spent N200 million on and the one organized by the state government.”
Despite his attempts to clear his name, observers note that Obasa failed to provide any proof of his claims or explain his controversial leadership style. Critics also highlighted that the allegations were endorsed by 32 lawmakers who signed his impeachment notice—a majority that reflects broad discontent with his tenure.
Questions About His Support
Obasa’s insistence that he remains the rightful Speaker has drawn sharp criticism. Members of the Assembly and political groups have dismissed his claims as baseless, pointing out that the new leadership enjoys overwhelming support.
“All members of the Lagos State House of Assembly stand firmly with Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. Obasa should tell us who his supporters are because the Assembly has spoken, and the era of impunity is over,” a prominent lawmaker said anonymously.
Police Involvement and Allegations
Obasa also alleged that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police led a team of officers to invade the Assembly on the day of his impeachment. According to him, over 200 policemen also surrounded his private residence in Agege, blocking the entrance and preventing his family from leaving.
However, political analysts have criticized Obasa for what they describe as an attempt to play the victim while avoiding accountability for the allegations against him. “He’s trying to distract Lagosians from the real issues. The allegations against him are serious, and he has yet to adequately address them,” said a Lagos-based political analyst.
A Divided Legacy
Obasa, who has served as a lawmaker since 2003 and is the longest-serving member of the House, claimed that his removal was politically motivated and orchestrated during his absence. He further alleged interference in the Assembly’s affairs, stating that due process was not followed in his impeachment.
However, his critics argue that his leadership style and alleged authoritarianism had alienated many of his colleagues, culminating in his removal. The Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Meranda, has vowed to uphold transparency and accountability, signaling a new era in Lagos politics.
As Lagosians await the resolution of the crisis, one question remains unanswered: who are Obasa’s supporters, and can they rally enough influence to back his claims? Until then, the former Speaker’s declarations appear to be a lone cry in the face of overwhelming opposition.