Lagos Ousted Speaker Fights Back on Removal from Seat
Obasa, who was replaced by his former Deputy, Mojisola Lasbat-Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Assembly, addressed the allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds that led to his impeachment.
Obasa’s Defense
The former Speaker, who has served as a lawmaker since 2003 and is the longest-serving member of the Assembly, dismissed the accusations as baseless. He refuted claims such as the construction of a gate for ₦16 billion and the purchase of Hilux vehicles at ₦1 billion each.
“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with ₦16 billion? It’s not the wall of Jericho or the U.S.-Mexico border. How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for ₦1 billion each and purchased 40 of them for ₦40 billion? These claims are absurd,” Obasa said.
He also criticized allegations of excessive spending on events, comparing a Thanksgiving event allegedly costing ₦200 million to those organized by the state government.
“I am not disturbed or perturbed. I will debunk all the allegations levelled against me. I have not done anything wrong,” he asserted.
Allegations of Intimidation
Obasa accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police of leading an invasion of the Assembly during his removal and claimed that over 200 policemen surrounded his private residence in Agege, blocking his family’s movement.
“I am not afraid of being removed; it’s not my father’s chieftaincy title. If you want to do anything, do it well. My removal was orchestrated because I was out of the country,” he stated, highlighting previous leadership changes in the Assembly that did not involve police interference.
Obasa’s Political Legacy
Reflecting on his political journey, Obasa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi, whom he referred to as parental figures. He credited Tinubu for supporting him in becoming Speaker in 2015, despite opposition.
Obasa also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing him as a brother and ally, and emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
GAC Endorses Leadership Change
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos, formally approved Obasa’s removal and endorsed the leadership of Mojisola Meranda. During a meeting attended by top political figures, including Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, lawmakers detailed their grievances against Obasa, citing misconduct, highhandedness, and corruption.
Support for Mojisola Meranda
Meranda, now the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos Assembly, has received widespread support from the Conference 57 of Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen. In a statement, the council praised her competence, dedication, and commitment to service, pledging their cooperation for a successful tenure.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles, the leadership transition marks a significant moment in Lagos politics. While Obasa continues to defend his legacy and reputation, the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, steps into a historic role with the support of key stakeholders. How this power shift will shape the political landscape in Lagos remains to be seen.
