Impeached Lagos Speaker Obasa Returns To Nigeria, Says Removal Unlawful

Impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has returned to the country, describing his removal as presiding officer of the House as constitutional even as he insisted that due process was not followed.

Thirty-five out of the 40 Lagos State House of Assembly members had voted to impeach Obasa on January 13, 2025 while he was awy, following accusations bordering on misconduct and mismanagement of funds.

In his place, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was elected as Speaker of the House.

However, addressing members of the Mandate Movement and politicians from some local government areas at the official residence of the Lagos Speaker in GRA, Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa maintained that the allegations against him could not be substantiated.

He added that he is the most experienced lawmaker in the Assembly following his election for six times since 2003.

Obasa declared that until the right process was followed, he remained the speaker of the House. “I believe I am still the speaker until they follow the right process.”

Speaking on the allegations against him, Obasa thanked his supporters for their 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 N16billion? 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 organised by the state government.

“I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations levelled against me by the House.”

The former speaker insisted that he did nothing wrong. “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.

The former speaker added that he was not afraid of removal, saying it’s not a chieftaincy title.

“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,” Obasa said.

He said the innocent person should not be discredited while insisting that the lawmakers should prove their allegations against him.

“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,” Obasa added.