Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly unanimously impeached Hon Obasa on Monday, ending his nine-year headship of the Lagos State legislature.
Obasa, who was away in the United States (USA), was accused of several infractions and replaced by his deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda.
Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1 and was also the House’s former chief whip, makes history as the first female speaker in Lagos.
Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected the House’s Deputy Speaker.
Hon. Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe Constituency 2, moved the motion for his removal under urgent public importance, citing relevant sections of the constitution that abhor infractions and back the speaker’s impeachment.
Some allegations levelled against the impeached speaker were highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership, lack of commitment to legislative business, lack of regard for fellow lawmakers, and intimidation and suppression of legislative staff.
Other allegations levelled against him are financial impropriety, misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, and authoritarianism, among others.
He was alleged to always be at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and absenting himself from most state functions.
However, beyond all the above accusations, political watchers say political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Obasa was said to have an ambition to run as governor, was the real push behind his removal as head of the state’s legislature, a post he had held for almost a decade.
Analysts said interest in the 2027 governorship election is behind the removal of Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
It was gathered that Obasa’s ambition put him against some of those eyeing that seat.
In what observers considered moves to ridicule the state deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who is also eyeing the governorship seat, Obasa summoned the deputy governor to report at his seat during the governor’s budget presentation in November without showing respect for his office.
A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.
“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.
“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.
“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.
“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.
A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.
“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.
“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.
“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.
“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.
At the 2025 budget presentation, the former speaker disrespectfully said those who have ruled Lagos State in the past were not better than him, a statement many considered an insult to past leaders and an overbearing attitude toward the state’s powers that be.
To nail the former speaker’s coffin, the motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2. It was immediately subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceedings.
All the lawmakers shouted “yes” to support the impeachment, while none said “nay” to counter the motion.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
Tobun emphasised that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members agreed to end Obasa’s tenure.
Following the impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the new speaker, with Hon. Fatai Ajibola assuming the role of deputy speaker.
“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 added.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
As a mark of acceptance, the Conference 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen in Lagos State have congratulated Rt. Hon Mojisola Meranda on her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement, the body praised Meranda’s dedication, competence, and commitment to service, saying her emergence reflects the state’s progressive ideals and inclusive governance ethos.
The forum said they trusted Meranda’s ability to deliver robust legislative leadership, foster development, and uphold democratic principles.
They assured her of their support and collaboration and wished her a successful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements.
Signed on behalf of Conference 57 by its chairman, Alabi Kolade David, and public relations officer, Olusesan Daini, the statement concluded with a congratulatory message to the Speaker.
As of the time this report was filed, some state Assembly staff members were seen jubilating over Obasa’s impeachment, saying he did not care about the welfare of the state’s Legislative Assembly staff.
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