The immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has asserted that he remains the legitimate Speaker, claiming his removal was unconstitutional and did not follow due process.
Recall that Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, by 35 of the 40 members of the assembly over allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.
His replacement was Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda, his former Deputy Speaker.
Speaking on Saturday at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, in the presence of Mandate Movement supporters and local politicians, Obasa rejected the accusations made against him, stating that they were unfounded. He emphasized his long tenure and extensive experience as a lawmaker, having been elected to the assembly six times since 2003, and maintained that he remains Speaker until the proper legal processes are followed.
Obasa questioned the veracity of the financial allegations, particularly claims of inflated costs for projects and vehicle purchases, suggesting that such figures were exaggerated and unrealistic. He denied any wrongdoing, reaffirming that he had served the state with dedication and integrity for over two decades.
Obasa also criticized the manner in which his removal was executed, particularly the involvement of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and a large police presence at both the assembly and his private residence in Agege. He argued that the actions taken were irregular, especially considering that he was out of the country at the time. He pointed out that previous removals of other lawmakers had not been handled in this way, emphasizing that the use of police force in his case was unwarranted.
Despite his removal, Obasa expressed confidence that the truth would prevail, stating that the actions against him were politically motivated and designed to undermine his leadership. He also praised the Governance Advisory Council and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for their continued support.
Obasa acknowledged the support he had received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, recalling the support he had received from Tinubu throughout his political career, including when he first became Speaker in 2015. He emphasized that his commitment to serving the people of Lagos remained unwavering.
“I believe I am still the speaker until they follow the right process,” he said.
“I thank you for your support and dedication. I will take this opportunity to debunk the allegations that were circulated and raised about me.
“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico.
“How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for N1 billion each and that we bought 40 pieces for N40 billion? Talking about Thanksgiving, they should compare the one they said we spent N200 million on and the one organized by the state government.
“I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations leveled against me by the House.
“I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades, and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House,” he said.
“I am not afraid of being removed. After all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people, and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.
“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place; we cannot denigrate the state.
“When former Speaker Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly, and we did not invite policemen. When my sister, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, was removed, we did not invite the police.
“They should not discredit an innocent person; they should prove their allegations against me. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence.
“I believe in the image of our institution. We must not destroy it, and I will never partake in its destruction.
“I appreciate the members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the state. He is my brother, and he always calls me his younger brother,” he added.
