The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, January 13, 2025, has generated political reactions across Lagos State....Read Full Article >>➤
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reportedly welcomed the development, signaling optimism for a more harmonious working relationship with the state legislature following Obasa’s ouster.
On the day of the impeachment, Sanwo-Olu stayed at Lagos House, Marina, delegating his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to preside over the weekly executive council meeting at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja. Sources suggest the governor closely monitored the unfolding events at the Lagos Assembly Complex, where Obasa was impeached unanimously by 39 members over allegations of financial misappropriation and other misconduct.
Armed security personnel were deployed early Monday to secure the Assembly premises and prevent unrest. Despite their presence, hoodlums attempted to invade the complex but were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Lagos State Task Force, resulting in multiple arrests.
Sources close to the governor revealed that Sanwo-Olu, along with members of his executive council, regarded Obasa’s impeachment as a positive step. A sentiment of “good riddance to bad rubbish” reportedly echoed among government officials during the brief EXCO meeting led by Hamzat.
Obasa’s leadership had long been criticized for his perceived disrespect toward the governor’s office, with past interventions by President Bola Tinubu attempting to restore peace between the two. However, tensions culminated in Monday’s impeachment, which sparked jubilation among Assembly staff, civil servants, and political observers.
Reacting to the impeachment, political analyst Jide Ojo described the development as a “self-inflicted own goal” during an appearance onChannels Television’s Politics Today.
Ojo attributed Obasa’s downfall to actions deemed disrespectful toward Governor Sanwo-Olu, including remarks during the budget presentation that many interpreted as a snub. Obasa had reportedly claimed, “I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.”
Further allegations against Obasa included delaying the governor and party elders during critical meetings and exhibiting a defiant attitude despite interventions from party leadership.
As the political fallout continues, Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to meet with the newly elected speaker and other principal officers to forge a more productive relationship with the Assembly. Meanwhile, Obasa’s impeachment is being seen as a shift in Lagos State politics, marking the end of a tumultuous era in the Assembly’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the state lawmakers declared their decision to impeach Obasa as an attempt to end the era of bad leadership, stating they could no longer tolerate his reign.
Speaking to journalists Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers. Tobun emphasized that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure. The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
Also, the impeachment of Obasa was described as a breath of fresh air by workers within the assembly complex. Some staff who spoke with pressmen said they were happy with the development.
Many of them complained about Obasa’s highhandedness in dealing with the assembly workers including their welfare. ...Read Full Article >>➤
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