Why we removed Obasa as Speaker – Lagos Assembly members
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker over misappropriation of funds and a lack of transparency in the Assembly’s management.
Obasa became Speaker of the House in June 2015. He became a member of the Assembly since 2003 when he was elected from Agege Constituency 1.
The motion for his impeachment was moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency 2.
Hon. Saheed stated that in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obasa has committed gross misconduct and showed poor leadership which included perpetual lateness to legislative sections and meetings; high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting members against one another amongst others.
He added that Obasa also practiced authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties. He then moved the motion for his impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was done by 32 members through a voice vote.
Subsequently, the former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Mojisola Lasbat Meranda from Apapa Constituency 1, emerged as the new Speaker of the Assembly, while Hon. Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
The House also suspended Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, the Clerk of the Assembly, and was replaced by Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun as the Acting Clerk of the House.
The impeachment came amidst an alleged clandestine campaign by Obasa to be the next Governor of Lagos State in 2027 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obasa’s removal came a few days after online media reported that he ordered the withdrawal of a staggering 43 billion Naira to purchase backup vehicles for the lawmakers.
It was also gathered that Obasa was in Atlanta Georgia, United States of America, when he was impeached.
Speaking after the impeachment, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, said change is inevitable and lawmakers have decided to change the leadership of the House.
Tobun said: “The Constitution made it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings. So, the members felt that they have had enough of Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa and today we have unanimously agreed that Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda becomes the new Speaker of the House.
“So, it was a resolution called by all members of the parliament and so be it. And Hon Fatai Mojeed becomes the new Deputy Speaker of the House. As we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved and all the standing committees have also been dissolved.
“So, the House as you can see it, we have resolved to work together and ensure that we move the parliament to the next level. We cannot open our eyes and allow this parliament to dwindle because we owe our constituents a duty and we owe Lagos State a duty to ensure that there is the sanctity of the House and the integrity of the House is restored. That is why we have all unanimously agreed to carry out this action to save our image and the state.”