OBASA DARES LAGOS ASSEMBLY SAYS HE REMAINS SPEAKER

January 25, 2025 NeeceeBossLady 0 Comments

Supporters on Saturday, gathered at the Ikeja GRA residence of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following his return to Nigeria from the United States.

Addressing the crowd of supporters, which included members of the Mandate Movement and politicians from various local governments, Obasa maintained that his removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, was unconstitutional, arguing that due process was not followed.

Obasa was impeached by 35 out of 40 lawmakers over allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement, and was replaced by his former Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda. Speaking to his supporters, Obasa denied the allegations and insisted the claims were baseless.

“I remain the Speaker until due process is followed,” he stated confidently. “I will take this opportunity to debunk the allegations against me. For instance, is it possible to construct an ordinary gate for N16 billion? This is not the Wall of Jericho or the U.S.-Mexico border. They also alleged we purchased 40 Hilux buses at N1 billion each—this is simply absurd.”

Obasa criticized the claims of spending N200 million on a Thanksgiving event, asking his critics to compare the event with similar ones organized by the state government. He emphasized his extensive experience, being the longest-serving lawmaker in the Lagos Assembly since his first election in 2003.

The former Speaker also raised concerns about the involvement of law enforcement in his removal, accusing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police of leading officers to invade the assembly on the day of the impeachment. He added that over 200 policemen also surrounded his private residence in Agege, blocking the gate and restricting his family’s movements.

“I am not disturbed or afraid of being removed. After all, this is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I was elected by my people, and they have returned me six times. If anything must be done, it should be done properly,” Obasa declared.

He recalled how past impeachments in the assembly were conducted without police interference, citing the cases of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi and former Deputy Speaker Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho.

“They should not discredit an innocent person. If there are allegations, let them prove them. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence, and we must uphold its integrity,” he said.

Obasa expressed gratitude to the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he referred to as a father figure. He credited President Tinubu for supporting his rise to the Speakership in 2015, even when others opposed him.