The political stage in Lagos has taken a dramatic turn as former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to nullify his recent impeachment. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Obasa, who was ousted on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and the alleged misappropriation of ₦43.5 billion in state funds, reportedly returned to Nigeria after assurances that he wouldn’t face arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any other law enforcement agency.
The President Weighs In
Following the impeachment, President Tinubu summoned a high-profile meeting in Abuja, which included Lagos Assembly lawmakers, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council, and key APC stakeholders.
Sources revealed that Tinubu was displeased with Obasa’s removal, particularly as he was informed of the development through the media. However, the President reportedly dismissed Obasa’s appeal to overturn the decision, stating:
“You were not born a Speaker, and speakership was not created with you.”
Obasa’s Defense Falls Flat
Obasa argued that his impeachment should be annulled because the mace used during the proceedings wasn’t the official one. He allegedly hid both official maces while traveling out of the country. However, lawmakers refuted this, confirming that the mace used was a historical one from the assembly’s old building, rendering his claims invalid.
Realizing the futility of his plea, Obasa reportedly shifted his focus to requesting access to his personal belongings at the Speaker’s lodge and guest house, which Tinubu approved.
A Grand Return to Lagos
On Saturday, Obasa is set to return to Lagos and move into his Joel Ogunnaike Street residence in GRA Ikeja, where a lavish welcome party is being organized by loyalists led by Agege Local Government Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi.
Meanwhile, Obasa is also expected to visit the Speaker’s lodge to retrieve his belongings, but this visit will be closely monitored by the new leadership.
A Historic Shift in Leadership
Obasa’s impeachment ended his nearly 10-year tenure as Speaker, a position he held since June 2015 after first being elected to the Lagos Assembly in 2007.
His removal paved the way for a groundbreaking moment in Lagos politics: the election of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker. Meranda, who previously served as Deputy Speaker, is now celebrated as the first female Speaker in the South-West, marking a significant milestone in Nigerian politics.
What Lies Ahead for Obasa?
As the dust settles on Obasa’s political career, the drama surrounding his impeachment continues to spark conversations across the state. Will his return to Lagos be the start of a comeback, or is this the final curtain call for the once-powerful Speaker?
Stay tuned as we follow this unfolding saga of power, politics, and prestige in Lagos State.
