Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu opted out of the usual Monday executive council meeting at Alausa, choosing instead to stay at Lagos House in Marina as news of the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, swept through the state.
Early Monday morning, armed security personnel, including members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Lagos State Task Force, were deployed to both Lagos House and the Assembly Complex to prevent any potential unrest. Their presence proved timely as hoodlums attempted to invade the Assembly Complex. The security forces intercepted the group, arresting scores of individuals in the process.
According to insiders, Sanwo-Olu closely monitored the impeachment drama from his Marina residence, delegating his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to preside over the weekly executive council meeting. The governor, however, refrained from making any public comments about the unfolding events.
Obasa’s impeachment, which occurred around noon with the unanimous support of 39 members of the House, marked the culmination of long-standing tensions. The former Speaker was removed over allegations of financial mismanagement and other misconduct. Reports suggest that Sanwo-Olu and the state’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) had endured strained relations with Obasa, accusing him of disrespect and misconduct.
Attempts to reconcile the differences were made during the Yuletide break, with President Bola Tinubu mediating crucial peace meetings at his Ikoyi residence. However, Obasa’s impeachment appears to have been inevitable, as his leadership style reportedly alienated colleagues and state officials.
The atmosphere following the impeachment was jubilant. Staff at the Assembly Complex, the governor’s office, and other state workers celebrated the decision, which many saw as a necessary step to restore order and professionalism in the state legislature.
An unnamed source revealed that Sanwo-Olu received the news with optimism, viewing the change as an opportunity for a more harmonious working relationship. During the executive council meeting, which was reportedly brief, members were heard expressing relief at Obasa’s removal, with one source quoting them as saying, “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Sanwo-Olu is expected to meet soon with the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and other principal officers to discuss the way forward. The governor’s decision to remain silent for now reflects a strategic approach, allowing the dust to settle before engaging directly with the new leadership.
Obasa’s impeachment marks a turning point in Lagos State politics, symbolizing a break from what many described as an era of unchecked power. The development is expected to usher in a period of greater collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
Bros your days are numbered, all of you stealing our money God will expose y’all, including una godfather Tinubu.