The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has sent shockwaves through the city’s political landscape.
Obasa, who was accused of gross misconduct and abuse of office, was removed from his position during Monday’s plenary session, with 90 per cent of the lawmakers voting in favour of his ouster.
His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, has been sworn in as the new Speaker, while Mojeed Fatai has also been elected as the new Deputy Speaker.
Political observers suggest that Obasa’s removal is tied to his rumoured gubernatorial ambition for 2027.
The Agege politician, known for building grassroots structures under the “Obasa Support Group,” had reportedly clashed with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other party leaders.
Sources indicate that Obasa’s recent moves, including a proposed bill to grant the Assembly power to remove the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) chairman, raised concerns among party stalwarts.
His alleged “disrespect” toward Sanwo-Olu reportedly reached President Bola Tinubu’s ears, who intervened decisively.
“His attitude towards the governor became a major issue. He was invited to a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, and that sealed his fate,” a source told Business Day.
Obasa’s tenure had been marked by controversies, including allegations of corruption. Just weeks before his impeachment, a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of spending ₦17 billion on a gate for the Assembly—claims he dismissed as politically motivated.
The former Speaker’s strained relationship with Governor Sanwo-Olu also came under scrutiny after the Assembly rejected some of the governor’s commissioner nominees, a move seen as part of their ongoing feud.
Analysts view Obasa’s impeachment as part of a power play within Lagos APC, with Tinubu reasserting his dominance to maintain control ahead of the 2027 elections.
Public affairs commentator Dayo Kayode stated, “It’s all about 2027. The APC is positioning itself strategically, and Obasa’s ambition was unsettling for the party’s hierarchy.”
While Obasa denied having any plans to contest the governorship, the political manoeuvres surrounding his removal suggest otherwise.
His replacement by Mojisola Meranda signals a new chapter for the Lagos Assembly, one likely to align more closely with Tinubu and the party’s long-term agenda.