Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have pledged their unwavering support for the newly sworn-in Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, amidst ongoing controversy following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa, who was removed by 35 out of 40 Assembly members on January 13, 2025, over allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement, has continued to insist that his removal was unconstitutional, claiming due process was not followed. He was replaced by his former deputy, Lasbat Meranda.
Speaking on Saturday at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, to cheers from members of the Mandate Movement and politicians from various local governments, Obasa criticised the allegations against him, stating, “The allegations made against me by the lawmakers could not be substantiated. I am the most experienced lawmaker in the Assembly, having been elected six times since 2003.”
In a statement released on Saturday by Ogundipe Olukayode, a lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, on behalf of the majority members, the Assembly clarified its stance and reaffirmed its support for Meranda’s leadership.
The statement read in part, “It is imperative to clarify that over 2/3 of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. Therefore, we stood by the decision taken on the 13th of January where Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was impeached, and we shall defend our positions to the latter.
“As elected representatives of the people of Lagos, we owe them good governance and harmonious relationships with other arms of government.
“The position of the House remains the same, and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former Speaker Rt Hon Obasa is uncalled for and unparliamentary.
“The majority of members elected Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker for the 10th Assembly, and we also at the said plenary took the majority decision to remove him. We stand by the new Speaker, so nothing has changed.
“All members were elected from their various constituencies across the state, and we all have the inalienable rights under the necessary statutory orders to remove their principal officers, including the Speaker.
“I, therefore, appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent posture will heat up the polity and not augur well. Any attempt to heat up the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt Hon Meranda.
“Peace we want in Lagos, and peace we will achieve.”
The lawmakers emphasised their commitment to fostering good governance and maintaining a harmonious relationship with other arms of government, insisting that their decision to remove Obasa was final and in accordance with legislative procedures.
