“Obasa Rejects Impeachment: Says He Remains Speaker of Lagos Assembly”

In a dramatic turn of events, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has publicly declared that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the House, despite being removed by 32 out of 40 lawmakers on January 13, 2025.

Obasa, who was in the United States at the time of the impeachment, has rejected the process, describing it as unconstitutional. His removal, which President Bola Tinubu has labeled a “coup,” came as a surprise to many, but Obasa insists that the due process outlined in the Constitution was not followed.

Upon his return to Lagos, Obasa was welcomed by supporters, including members and stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and local government ward executives. During a reception, the ousted Speaker addressed journalists, emphasizing that his removal did not follow the legal procedures necessary for such an action.

“I am not afraid to be removed, but the Constitution must be followed in the process,” Obasa declared, stressing that the correct procedures were not observed in his case. He also pointed out that his removal involved police officers and disruptions at his residence, which he claims was a stark contrast to the more orderly removals of previous speakers and lawmakers.

Obasa further recounted that, in his case, police led by the Commissioner of Police stormed the House, and a separate team showed up at his home, locking out his children and leaving his wife inside. This, he argued, was a clear sign that the process was not legitimate.

“For 10 years I served as Speaker. If I am no longer wanted, from Allah we come and to Him we return, but you cannot impeach a speaker with a fake mace,” Obasa said, rejecting the validity of the impeachment.

The controversy surrounding his removal continues to escalate, and Obasa’s refusal to step down suggests that the power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly is far from over.