Lagos Speaker Obasa Impeached Amid Corruption Allegations, Sanwo-Olu Welcomes New Era

The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on January 13, 2025, has sparked widespread political reactions across Lagos. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who reportedly welcomed the move, expressed optimism about a fresh and more cooperative relationship with the newly elected speaker and the Assembly.

Obasa, who was accused of financial mismanagement, including overseeing the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for backup vehicles for lawmakers, was impeached by a unanimous vote from 39 members. The impeachment process, which took place while Obasa was in Atlanta, USA, followed the deployment of security personnel to prevent unrest. Despite efforts to intervene by Obasa’s loyalists, the police were able to maintain order and prevent any violent confrontations.

Obasa’s removal is seen by some political analysts as an inevitable consequence of his strained relationship with the governor and his long tenure marked by criticism for alleged disrespect toward state leadership. Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to meet with the new leadership in the coming days to strengthen cooperation between the executive and the legislature.