Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has alleged that Mojisola Meranda, who was appointed as his replacement, has officially resigned from the position. Obasa Insists He Remains Speaker Speaking on Politics Today aired on Channels TV on Thursday evening, Obasa asserted that despite his removal by fellow lawmakers, he still holds the position of Speaker. He further disclosed that during a meeting with top Lagos APC leaders at Marina, Meranda personally announced her resignation. Security Details and Office Privileges Addressing concerns regarding the withdrawal of Meranda’s security aides while his own security was reinstated, Obasa remarked, “When my security was taken away without my approval, did I raise any objections? At the Marina meeting, Meranda herself confirmed that she had stepped down. Once you resign, the privileges of the office are revoked.” Legality of His Removal Obasa maintains that his removal, which was reportedly supported by 36 out of the 40 members of the Assembly, does not hold legal ground. “I have never been lawfully removed. I am not against due process, but any removal must align with the House rules and constitutional provisions,” he insisted. Controversial Plenary Session Earlier on Thursday, Obasa made a dramatic entrance into the Assembly complex under heavy security presence. Reports indicate that he presided over a plenary session attended by only four members, raising further questions about the unfolding political drama in the Lagos State Assembly. Read more from Channels TV READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Former Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa faces suspension threats for insisting on retaining his position after impeachment. Learn more about this historic political shift. Key Highlights: Former Lagos Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, Faces Suspension Threat Olumuyiwa Jimoh, a former Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called for the suspension of Mudashiru Obasa following his insistence on retaining the Speaker’s position despite being impeached. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, Jimoh described Obasa’s stance as “impersonation” and stressed that such a claim carries the automatic implication of suspension. “He (Obasa) claims he is still the Speaker, which I think he knows is an impersonation. I feel he should be suspended for that. If I were still in the House, I would move a motion for his suspension,” Jimoh stated emphatically. Obasa’s impeachment occurred on Monday, January 13, 2025, when more than two-thirds of the 40-member House voted him out. The decision was reportedly prompted by alleged misconduct and various other offences. Mojisola Meranda’s Historic Leadership Following Obasa’s removal, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who previously served as Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker. Her appointment marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first female Speaker of the legislative body in Lagos State. Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, had served in the Lagos Assembly since 2007 and was first elected Speaker in 2015. His removal marks a significant shift in the Assembly’s leadership dynamics. Obasa’s Reactions and Claims On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Obasa reaffirmed his claim to the Speaker’s position, stating that the impeachment process was flawed. He argued that the Assembly complex was militarized during the proceedings and insisted that his removal took place in his absence, as he was outside Nigeria at the time. “I remain the Speaker until the right thing is done,” Obasa said, challenging the legitimacy of the impeachment process. This ongoing dispute has sparked debates about the legality of his claims and the possible consequences of his actions. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly raises significant questions about the state of legislative independence in Nigeria. His impeachment, driven by allegations of financial recklessness and abuse of office, was swift and unanimous, with Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda promptly elected to succeed him. Allegations and Political Undercurrents While the allegations against Obasa were serious enough to justify his removal, the role of Lagos political power brokers, particularly the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), cannot be ignored. Reports indicate that his impeachment followed a GAC meeting, where his perceived disrespect towards Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was a focal point. Obasa’s open declaration of gubernatorial ambitions only intensified tensions, culminating in his removal. The Influence of the GAC The GAC, an informal yet influential body founded by Bola Tinubu, plays a decisive role in Lagos politics, influencing elections, appointments, and party affairs. Meranda’s immediate visit to the Lagos Governor’s residence to seek the GAC’s blessings after her appointment highlights the council’s grip on political affairs in the state. This reflects a system often described locally as ‘Baba Sope,’ or political godfatherism, where decisions are dictated by a few influential figures rather than democratic processes. Legislative Checks and Balances Ideally, the principle of checks and balances should ensure that both legislative and executive branches operate independently. Obasa’s initial defiance against Governor Sanwo-Olu by rejecting some appointees suggested an effort to assert legislative independence. However, his impeachment process has left political analysts questioning whether true legislative freedom exists in Lagos. Historical Context of Legislative Interference Obasa’s impeachment is not unprecedented in Lagos politics. In 2005, Speaker Jokotola Pelumi faced a similar fate. Historically, the interference of executive powers in legislative affairs has been evident, particularly during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where multiple impeachments at both state and federal levels weakened legislative autonomy. Expert Opinions on Legislative Independence Senator Neda Imasuen and Dr. Olalekan Hassan argue that legislative independence remains compromised due to the dominance of executive influence. The financial control wielded by the executive often restricts the legislature’s ability to act independently, perpetuating a system of submission to political godfathers. Moving Towards Genuine Legislative Independence Achieving true legislative autonomy in Nigeria requires: The removal of Obasa underscores both the constitutional role of legislative oversight and the challenges posed by external political control. For genuine democracy to thrive, systemic reforms ensuring balanced power dynamics must be pursued. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
