The Lagos State house of assembly lawmakers numbering yesterday ousted its speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa while he was in transit from the United States
The legislators elected in his stead Mrs Mojisola Meranda from Apapa 1 Constituency, first female speaker of the state’s legislature since the birth of the 4th Republic in 1999.
The deputy chief whip of the assembly, Mr Fatai Mojeed, was elected the new deputy speaker.
Obasa was not the only casualty of yesterday’s ‘coup’; the clerk of the assembly, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, was suspended while Mr. Abubakar Ottun was appointed in an acting capacity.
All existing structures in the legislature, including the standing committees, were equally dissolved.
Obasa served for three terms as speaker, represents Agege Constituency 1 in the Assembly since 2007 and has been the speaker since 2015.
Beyond the speculations making the rounds that the erstwhile speaker was shoved aside because of his lingering face-off with the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his (Obasa’s) ambition to contest for the governorship seat in 2027, the legislators offered the real reasons for his impeachment.
The motion to remove him was moved under Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Mr Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency.
“In line with provisions of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obasa is accused of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings, high-handedness and lack of regard for honourable members, gross abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of honourable members by inciting members against one another, amongst others.
“I hereby move that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Right honourable Mudashiru Obasa, be removed as speaker of this House for gross misconduct and poor leadership, including highhandedness and disregard for honourable members of the House of Assembly,” he said.
The lawmaker also accused him of mismanagement of funds and lack of time, transparency in his management of funds.
Addressing journalists in Alausa, Ikeja after the removal of Obasa, the representative of Epe Constituency 1, Mr Abiodun Tobun, explained that the impeachment was essential to maintain the ethical standards of the legislative house.
He said Obasa’s ouster was a resolution agreed to by all the parliamentarians.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
“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.
“All standing committees and principal office positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
He assured the public of the commitment of the legislature to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.