January 25, (THEWILL) – The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has rejected his removal, describing the process as unconstitutional and lacking due process.
THEWILL recalls that 35 out of 40 members of the assembly impeached Obasa on January 13 over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds. He was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Lawal-Meranda.
Speaking on Saturday at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, amidst cheers from members of the Mandate Movement and local politicians, Obasa maintained that the allegations leveled against him were baseless.
Obasa said, “I believe I am still the Speaker until due process is followed.
“I will take this opportunity to debunk the allegations against me. Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall between the United States and Mexico.”
He questioned claims that the assembly purchased 40 Hilux vehicles for N40 billion, describing it as absurd.
He also criticized allegations that N200 million was spent on a Thanksgiving event, comparing it to similar events organized by the state government.
“I am not disturbed or perturbed. I will refute all the allegations leveled against me. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and the longest-serving member of the House. I have done nothing wrong,” Obasa stated.
He also accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police of deploying officers to invade the assembly complex and his private residence in Agege on the day of his impeachment.
“They blocked the gates of my residence and prevented my family members from leaving. This was unnecessary. I am not afraid of being removed—it is not a hereditary title. However, if such actions are to be taken, they must follow due process. The impeachment was carried out simply because I was out of the country,” he claimed.
Drawing comparisons to past leadership changes in the assembly, Obasa said, “When former Speaker Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly, and we did not invite the police. The same was true when former Deputy Speaker Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho was removed. We should not destroy the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly; it is an institution of excellence.”
Obasa expressed gratitude to the Governance Advisory Council and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing the governor as his “brother.”
He also extended thanks to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and President Tinubu, whom he referred to as a father figure.
“I believe in the image of our institution. We must not destroy it, and I will never partake in its destruction,” he concluded.
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