Lagos State – On Monday, January 13, Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was impeached over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office, ending his tenure as speaker since 2015.
Mudashiru Obasa impeached amid allegations
Obasa, who represents Agege State Constituency I, in 2007, was re-elected four times in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He was first elected speaker in 2015.
The 32 members of the Assembly, removed Obasa, who represents Agege State Constituency I, from his position and accused him of spending N17 billion on a gate to the assembly complex, which critics argued was excessive and fraudulent.
The Nigerian Tribune reported that there have also been allegations of mishandling constituency funds and projects.
Meranda replaces Obasa
In a swift move, the lawmakers elected and sworn in Honourable Mojisola Meranda as speaker of the state assembly.
This article by Legit.ng highlights three possible reasons behind the embattled speaker’s impeachment;
1. Political missteps
As reported by Vanguard, Obasa’s strained relationship with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state and his alleged disrespect to the governor during the 2025 budget presentation also contributed to his political downfall.
Many likened him to an emperor in Lagos state. Following the show of power, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), invited him to a meeting where he was sternly warned and chastised for disrespecting Sanwo-Olu and mismanaging the politics of the state because of his ambition.
It is believed that Obasa’s fate was decided at the meeting, as Tinubu reportedly said he knew what to do on the matter.
Also, Obasa’s suspension came amid the speculation surrounding Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Tinubu, as a potential candidate for the 2027 Lagos state governorship race.
The embattled speaker said his major concern has been to strengthen the party in the state.
2. Allegations of financial misappropriation
According to reports, Obasa was accused of spending N17 billion to fix the assembly complex gate.
Also, Obasa was also accused of financial mismanagement involving N44 billion allocated for vehicles and capital projects for over two years.
The allegation generated concerns and questions about transparency and accountability in the Assembly’s financial operations from critics, including lawmakers and residents.
Another N13.33 billion was earmarked for vehicles in 2024.
Reacting to the claims, Dr. Obasa described the allegation as “fake news, spurious and funny.”
Speaking further, he noted that the allegation stemmed from the fear of some people over the 2027 general elections which is still more than two years away.
3. Questionable capital projects
Reports disclosed that critics debated over Obasa’s leadership and argued that his tenure was marked by misplaced priorities.
Additionally, Obasa’s leadership was heavily criticised, particularly over alleged financial irregularities about how funds are allocated for projects.
Critics argued the N1.1 billion allocated for properties in 2023 was excessive, particularly when essential sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure are underfunded.
Also, they questioned the N126 million allocated for properties in Abuja in the 2024 budget.
Critics also questioned why the state’s funds are being spent outside its jurisdiction.
According to critics, these expenditures suggest a troubling pattern of fiscal mismanagement and misplaced priorities, fueling public anger.
Therefore, when the lawmakers suddenly moved for impeachment of Obasa on Monday, they insisted on a change of leadership in the assembly.
Interestingly, the speed of the process suggested that there was a master plan, and not coincidence or on-the-spot decision.
Read more about Obasa’s impeachment here:
Obasa, 24 other assembly speakers sacked in Nigeria
Meanwhile, following the impeachment of Obasa as Lagos assembly speaker, Legit.ng highlights state house of assembly speakers who have been impeached in Nigeria since the country returned to democratic rule (1999).
Several state house of assemblies like Edo, Anambra, Niger, Plateau, Delta, Imo, Ekiti, Katsina and others have impeached their speaker at different times.
