Banner Online News

• Lawmakers say they’ve had enough of him

• His deputy, Moji Meranda, takes over

• Assembly clerk suspended, replaced in acting capacity

By Segun James

In a well-executed civilian coup, some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, numbering 32, yesterday, impeached the speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while he was in transit from faraway Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.

The lawmakers claimed they had had enough of Obasa and simply decided to try someone else, saying change is the only thing that is constant.

Upon removal of Obasa, who had been Speaker since 2015, they promptly replaced him with his deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda.

Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, was also elected the new Deputy Speaker.

All existing structures in the legislature, including the standing committees, were equally dissolved.

Following in the same wind of change, the Assembly suspended its Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, and replaced him with Mr. Abubakar Ottun, in acting capacity.

The latest development came a few weeks after Obasa was alleged to have displayed open disrespect for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2025 budget presentation by the governor.

The impeached speaker had also seized the opportunity to hint at his own political plans, including a possible shot at the governorship.

Although the accusations levelled against Obasa bordered on corruption, the move to impeach him had been on the cards for some months following his battle with Sanwo-Olu.

Obasa had been embroiled in a series of controversies concerning his handling of the Assembly and the finances of the state legislature.

The impeachment of the longest serving Speaker of the Assembly, who was first elected in 2015, happened during an emergency plenary over alleged misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency in the management of the Assembly.

The motion to remove him was moved under Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed.

Saheed stated, “In line with provisions of section 92 (2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obasa is accused of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings, high-handedness and lack of regard for honourable members, gross abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of honourable members by inciting members against one another, amongst others.”

Saheed alleged that Obasa also “practices an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties,” and ought to be removed.

Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.

Subsequently, Meranda emerged as new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Mojeed emerged Deputy Speaker.

* Source: Thisdaylive