Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, unanimously impeached the Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
The motion for his removal was moved by Hon. Obafemi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency 2, under matter of urgent public importance, citing relevant sections of the 1999 constitution (as amended).
Obasa, who was away to the United States of America (USA), was subsequently replaced by his deputy, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1. She was also a former chief whip of the House.
Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected the new Deputy Speaker of the House.
Part of the allegations levelled against the impeached speaker included highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership, lack of commitment to legislative business, lack of regard for fellow lawmakers, intimidation and suppression of legislative staff.
Other allegations levelled against Obasa were financial impropriety, misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, authoritarianism, among others.
He was alleged to always be at loggerheads with the executive arm of the State government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aside absenting himself from most state functions.
It was also gathered that the ambition of Obasa to run for the seat of governor of the state in 2027 General Election has put him against some of those eyeing that seat.
In what observers considered moves to ridicule the state’s deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who is also eyeing the governorship seat, Obasa had during the budget presentation by Governor Sanwo-Olu in November, summoned the deputy governor to report at his seat, without showing any respect for the office.
At the 2025 budget presentation, the former speaker disrespectfully said those who have ruled Lagos State in the past were not better than him, a statement which many considered as an insult to past leaders of the state and overbearing attitude to powers-that-be in the state.
To nail the former speaker’s coffin, the motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, representing Ikorodu 2 and was immediately subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceedings and all the lawmakers shouted “yes” in support of the impeachment while none of them said “nay” to counter the motion.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Lagos Assembly complex, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers. Tobun emphasised 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 1999 Constitution (as emended) empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings and members of the House reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
Following the impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda Lasbat was sworn-in as the new Speaker, with Hon. Fatai Ajibola assuming the role of Deputy Speaker.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun added.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
As a mark of acceptability in the new rapprochement, the Conference 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen in Lagos State has congratulated Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda on her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement, the Conference 57 praised Meranda’s dedication, competence, and commitment to service, saying her emergence reflected the state’s progressive ideals and inclusive governance ethos.
The forum expressed trust in Meranda’s ability to deliver robust legislative leadership, foster development, and uphold democratic principles. They assured her of their support and collaboration, wishing her a successful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements.
Signed on behalf of the Conference 57 by the chairman, Hon. Alabi Kolade David, and Public Relations Officer, Bldr. Olusesan Daini, the statement concluded with a congratulatory message to Madam Speaker
As of the time of filing this report, some staff of the State Assembly were seen jubilating over Obasa’s impeachment, saying in the full glare of all and sundry that the former speaker was a bad leader that care less about welfare of the staff of the state’s legislature.
