Obasa’s Controversial Leadership: Scandals and a N17 Billion Gate

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to claims suggesting that President Bola Tinubu played a role in the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The impeachment occurred on Monday, with Obasa removed from office and Mojisola Meranda elected as his successor.

Reason for Impeachment
The lawmakers justified their decision by stating that the impeachment was a necessary step to safeguard the integrity of the Lagos Assembly and ensure its future effectiveness. They stressed that this change in leadership, which they referred to as a “change of baton,” was not a personal attack but rather a constitutional and inevitable move. “Only death is constant,” they said, explaining that leadership change is a natural part of governance. The lawmakers also emphasized their responsibility to protect the image of the House and the state, and unanimously agreed that Meranda should take the helm.

Meranda Seeks GAC Approval
Immediately following her election, Meranda and her supporters met with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to brief them on the developments and seek their approval. After the meeting, Meranda expressed gratitude for the blessings received from GAC members, reinforcing her commitment to leading the Assembly to greater heights.

Obasa’s Troubles During Tenure
Obasa’s tenure as Speaker was marked by several controversies. One of the most significant scandals involved an alleged N17 billion expenditure for the construction of a special gate at the Assembly complex. This was questioned by many, given that the complex already had multiple gates. Additionally, Obasa faced criticism over a large sum of N200 million allegedly spent on a thanksgiving event that never occurred. His attempt to pass a controversial bill converting Lagos’ 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into administrative areas also caused friction, with some reports suggesting that this move displeased Tinubu and played a role in his eventual impeachment.

APC Speaks on Impeachment
Seye Oladejo, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, clarified that the impeachment was not a party-driven decision but rather an action taken by the legislative arm, which operates independently. Oladejo emphasized that the legislature’s independence is crucial to the growth of democracy in Lagos. He noted that the decision was made by the members of the House themselves, not influenced by any external party interference, even if such events occasionally involve political intricacies.

Speculations About Governorship Ambitions
When asked about Obasa’s alleged governorship ambitions, Oladejo denied any knowledge of such plans. He reminded reporters that the next governorship election wouldn’t take place until 2027, and the party’s focus remains on delivering good governance. He acknowledged, however, that ambition is common among politicians, but stressed that the immediate priority was the APC’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people of Lagos.