In a fiery response to his removal as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has described the allegations of corruption against him as baseless and politically motivated. Speaking at a welcome rally held at his Joel Ogunnaike residence in Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa did not mince words, accusing key figures and state institutions of orchestrating his impeachment.
Obasa, who served as Speaker since 2015, insisted that his ousting violated due process and was executed in his absence. He specifically pointed fingers at the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, alleging complicity in what he called a “stage-managed removal.” According to him, security forces led by the Commissioner stormed the Assembly complex and his personal residences in Agege and Ikeja with over 200 officers, an act he described as an abuse of state power.
“If I am not Speaker, it’s not the end of the world,” Obasa said defiantly. “But if you claim I am corrupt, then prove it with facts. These allegations are not just false; they’re laughable. How can someone claim I built a gate for N16 billion? Is it the Wall of Jericho?”
Obasa dismissed the claims of misappropriation as politically motivated fabrications, vowing to defend his name and the integrity of the legislative institution he once led. He also criticized the manner of his removal, contrasting it with previous leadership changes in the House.
“When former Speaker Rt. Hon Jokotola Pelumi was removed, the process was carried out with him present in the Assembly, and no security agents were involved. Similarly, when my sister, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, was removed as Deputy Speaker, there was no police intervention. Why was my case different?” Obasa questioned.
The embattled former Speaker, who has represented Agege Constituency I since 2007 and holds the record of being elected six times by his constituents, emphasized the need to protect the sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly. “The Assembly is an institution of excellence, and its image must not be destroyed by baseless accusations or political vendettas,” he stated.
Obasa expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) for their support. He referred to Sanwo-Olu as his “elder brother” and commended his leadership during the crisis.
The former Speaker’s impeachment, which occurred on January 13, was carried out by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house. He was replaced by Mojisola Meranda, who made history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
Obasa’s dramatic exit marks the end of an era for one of Lagos State’s most enduring political figures. However, his strong words and refusal to back down signal that the controversy is far from over. As political tensions escalate, the unfolding drama promises to keep Lagosians glued to the unfolding story.
