Atlantic Post

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IKEJA, Lagos State — In a dramatic turn of events, the Lagos State House of Assembly has issued a stern warning to its impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, cautioning him against actions that could destabilise the legislative arm and inflame the political climate of the state.

This admonition follows Obasa’s recent public address, wherein he dismissed his impeachment as procedurally flawed and maintained that he remains the legitimate Speaker.

The Assembly’s statement, released on Saturday and signed by Ogundipe Olukayode on behalf of the legislative body, reaffirmed the lawmakers’ unwavering support for the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and their firm commitment to the impeachment decision executed on January 13.

The statement emphasised that over two-thirds of the Assembly members stand united behind Speaker Meranda, underscoring the constitutional legitimacy of their actions.

“It is imperative to clarify that over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

We stand by the decision taken to impeach Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and we shall defend our position to the latter,” the statement declared.

The lawmakers reiterated their dedication to good governance and the maintenance of a harmonious relationship with other arms of government.

They stressed that the decision to remove Obasa was well within their constitutional rights and was executed in the best interest of the state’s legislative integrity. Olukayode stated:

“All members were elected from their various constituencies across the state, and we all have the inalienable rights under the necessary statutory orders to remove our principal officers, including the Speaker.”

The statement further criticised Obasa’s recent actions and rhetoric as “uncalled for and unparliamentary,” urging him to embrace peace for the sake of the state’s stability. Olukayode warned:

“I appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent posture will heat the polity and not augur well. Any attempt to heat the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt. Hon. Meranda.”

The Assembly concluded by pledging to protect its integrity and uphold peace across Lagos State. “Peace we want in Lagos, and peace we will achieve,” the statement concluded.

Mudashiru Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015, was impeached on January 13, 2025, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. In a swift response, the Assembly elected Mojisola Meranda, the then Deputy Speaker, as his successor, marking a historic moment as she became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Obasa, upon his return from the United States, addressed a gathering of supporters, dismissing his impeachment as illegitimate and asserting that due process was not followed in his removal. He maintained that he remains the Speaker and criticised the Assembly’s actions as politically motivated.

“My impeachment is illegal and did not follow due process. I remain the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Obasa declared to his supporters.

This assertion has been met with strong rebuttals from the Assembly, which insists that the impeachment was conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions and reflects the collective will of the majority of its members.

The unfolding drama has captivated the attention of political observers and the public alike, as it underscores the intricate dynamics of power, governance, and accountability within Nigeria’s most populous state.

The Rise and Fall of Mudashiru Obasa

Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, born on November 11, 1972, in Agege, Lagos, has been a prominent figure in Lagos politics for over two decades. He began his political career as a councilor in Agege Local Government under the Alliance for Democracy party in 1999.

In 2007, he was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Agege Constituency I and was re-elected in subsequent elections. In 2015, he ascended to the position of Speaker, a role he held until his recent impeachment.

Throughout his tenure, Obasa was known for his assertive leadership style and his influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, his tenure was not without controversy.

In 2020, he faced allegations of financial misappropriation, which he vehemently denied. Despite these challenges, he maintained his position until the recent allegations of gross misconduct led to his ousting.

Mojisola Meranda: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

The ascension of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda to the position of Speaker marks a significant milestone in the political history of Lagos State.

Born on August 16, 1980, into the royal families of Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru, Meranda’s lineage boasts a strong political heritage. Her late father, Chief T.A. Lawal Akapo, was a legislator and later became the Ojora of Lagos.

Meranda’s political journey began at the young age of 18, demonstrating her early commitment to public service.

She was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015, representing Apapa Constituency I. In June 2023, she was elected as the Deputy Speaker, a position she held until her recent elevation to Speaker.

Her rise to the Speakership is historic, as she becomes the first female to hold this position in the state’s history. Colleagues describe her as a diligent and principled lawmaker, known for her commitment to transparency and good governance.

The Impeachment Saga: Legal and Political Implications

The impeachment of a sitting Speaker is a rare and significant event, carrying profound legal and political implications.

According to the Nigerian Constitution and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the removal of a Speaker requires a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds majority of the members.

In this case, the Assembly asserts that the impeachment of Obasa met this constitutional requirement, with over two-thirds of its members voting in favour of his removal.

The lawmakers argue that the decision was not only lawful but necessary to uphold the Assembly’s credibility and ensure accountability in leadership.

However, Obasa’s claims of procedural irregularities have cast a shadow over the process, fuelling a political standoff that has gripped Lagos.

Legal experts have weighed in on the controversy, with some arguing that Obasa’s removal highlights a growing trend of legislative activism in Nigeria’s politics.

Others caution that the lack of transparency in the impeachment process could set a dangerous precedent, undermining public trust in democratic institutions.

Amid the conflicting narratives, one fact remains clear: the impeachment has brought to the forefront the delicate balance of power within Lagos’ political landscape.

Obasa’s insistence on retaining the Speakership has also raised concerns about the potential for political unrest. His continued defiance, coupled with his public mobilisation of supporters, poses a direct challenge to the authority of the Assembly under Meranda’s leadership.

If left unresolved, this crisis could escalate, threatening the state’s political stability and tarnishing its reputation as a model for governance in Nigeria.

Political analysts have also pointed to the broader implications of this power tussle for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.

The party, which prides itself on discipline and unity, now finds itself at a crossroads, with factions potentially emerging in the wake of Obasa’s ousting.

The leadership of the APC in Lagos will need to act swiftly to mediate the dispute and prevent it from spiraling into a full-blown crisis that could weaken its grip on the state.

A Test of Leadership for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the chief executive of Lagos State, is now faced with the daunting task of navigating this political quagmire.

While the governor has so far remained silent on the impeachment saga, political observers argue that his intervention could be pivotal in resolving the crisis.

Sanwo-Olu’s ability to maintain neutrality while fostering dialogue between the warring factions will be critical in preserving the state’s democratic institutions and ensuring continued progress.

The governor’s handling of this situation will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for his political legacy. A failure to address the tensions effectively could embolden dissent within the state’s political ranks, while a successful resolution could solidify his reputation as a unifying leader capable of steering Lagos through turbulent times.

The Road Ahead: Peace or Peril?

As the dust settles on the impeachment saga, the question remains: can the Lagos State House of Assembly rebuild its fractured unity and restore public confidence in its legislative processes?

Speaker Mojisola Meranda faces an uphill battle to consolidate her leadership and demonstrate her commitment to transparency and good governance. Her ability to foster collaboration among lawmakers and prioritise the interests of Lagosians over political rivalries will be key to her success.

Meanwhile, Mudashiru Obasa’s next moves will be closely watched. Whether he chooses to pursue legal action, escalate his defiance, or ultimately accept the Assembly’s decision will significantly influence the political climate in Lagos.

For now, the state remains on edge, with its political future hanging in the balance.

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