Drama in Lagos Assembly: Lawmakers Detail Obasa’s ‘Many Sins’ After Impeachment

Lagos State lawmakers have cited perpetual lateness to legislative sessions, highhandedness, and incitement of members against each other as some of the key reasons behind the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. On Monday, the Lagos State House of Assembly unanimously voted to remove Obasa, who represents Agege, over allegations of financial misappropriation and poor leadership.

Following his impeachment, Obasa’s deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa I, was elected as the first substantive female Speaker in the history of the Lagos State Assembly. The Assembly also suspended its Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, replacing him with Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk.

Obasa’s impeachment, ending his 10-year tenure as Speaker, was orchestrated in dramatic fashion, with a motion moved under “Matter of Urgent Public Importance” by Femi Saheed. Citing section 92(2)(C) of the 1999 Constitution, Saheed accused Obasa of:

• Gross misconduct and poor leadership.
• Authoritarian and undemocratic leadership styles.
• Intimidation and oppression of Assembly members.
• Abuse of office and privileges.

The motion, adopted through a voice vote by 32 members, led to Obasa’s removal.

Background on Obasa’s Controversies

Obasa was known for his strained relationship with the executive arm of Lagos State, including instances of leaving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other party leaders waiting during key events such as the recent 2025 budget presentation.

His tenure also saw a controversial ban on journalists covering Assembly activities for over two years. Furthermore, Obasa’s opposition to the screening of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commissioner nominees caused significant tension, prompting intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Lawmakers’ Commitment to Progress

Speaking to the media, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency I, emphasized that the decision to impeach Obasa was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the Lagos Assembly and ensuring a new direction for the state.

“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun stated.

The Assembly assured the public of its commitment to the stability and development of Lagos State under the leadership of the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.