Lagos, Nigeria – Former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has been issued a stern warning by the Lagos State House of Assembly to cease claiming the position, as his impeachment on January 13th is deemed irreversible. A statement issued on Sunday by the Assembly’s spokesperson, Ogundipe Olukayode, emphasized that a significant majority of its members fully support the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The lawmakers firmly asserted that the decision to remove Mr. Obasa, who was out of the country at the time, is final and cannot be reversed. Upon his return to Nigeria last week, Mr. Obasa addressed the media, maintaining his claim to the Speakership. During a press conference held at his residence in GRA, Ikeja, on Saturday, he urged any state leader to provide evidence that he had expressed ambitions to take over from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027.
Mr. Obasa emphasized that aspiring to the governorship is not an illicit endeavor. Having an ambition to become a governor is not a sin. Is it, however, I said it on the floor of the house when the budget was presented that I had no thoughts of governorship but that does not mean I am not qualified or that I lack experience and I still maintain that.
Mr. Ogundipe Olukayode reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to good governance and harmonious relations with other branches of government, emphasizing that the lawmakers are accountable to the people of Lagos. Reports had previously surfaced alleging that Mr. Obasa had kept Governor Sanwo-Olu waiting for an hour before the budget presentation, seemingly as a display of his authority.
However, Governor Sanwo-Olu has publicly distanced himself from the removal of Mr. Obasa, stating that he had no involvement in the matter.
The Assembly’s statement unequivocally declared that the position of the House remains unchanged and that Mr. Obasa’s claims are unfounded and contrary to parliamentary norms. Mr. Olukayode further explained that while Mr. Obasa was initially elected Speaker by a majority vote at the commencement of the 10th Assembly, his removal was also carried out through a democratic process supported by a majority of lawmakers.
The Assembly spokesperson urged Mr. Obasa to respect the democratic process and maintain a spirit of peace and harmony, urging him to align with the prevailing consensus among his colleagues.
