When the Lagos State House of Assembly commenced an emergency plenary session on Monday, January 13, 2025, many observers could not have predicted the outcome.
The lawmakers went on a recess after their January 6, 2025 plenary and their speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, was outside the country.
In the absence of the speaker, his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, could preside over a sitting of the Assembly. On Monday, she and the 29 other lawmakers who attended the emergency sitting had only one thing in mind: the removal of Obasa.
By the end of the session, Obasa’s long career as the Speaker of the House had ended suddenly. All 30 lawmakers present, of the total 40 state lawmakers, voted to remove him from office and elected Ms Meranda to lead the House.
Just like that, Obasa’s nearly decade-long reign as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly came to a dramatic end. Known as one of Lagos politics’ most controversial figures, Obasa’s removal was swift, and unanimous, and served as a reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change.
One of his loyalists who does not want his name in print told The Point that, “it just happened, without a whiff.”
Many sins of Obasa
Obasa’s alleged infractions, documented in a statement issued by the Assembly’s Public Affairs Directorate, centered on the misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency in the management of the assembly.
He was also accused of misconduct and poor leadership, with the statement saying he was ceaselessly late for legislative sessions and meetings.
“Obasa’s political problems, observers say, stemmed from his ambition to contest for governor in 2027. Allegedly, he began building a grassroots network, the Obasa Support Group, across Lagos’ 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs”
His allegedly authoritarian style of leadership and abuse of office, coupled with the alleged intimidation and oppression of his fellow lawmakers triggered the motion for impeachment.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who was also a former Commissioner in Lagos State, Muiz Banire, said “Over time that I have come across members of the House in public arrangements, they had largely regaled Mudasiru Obasa as their God, even, at times, against the Governor of the state. These are the same set of people that have now carried out the coup and suddenly recovered their voices.”
“We’ve had enough of the Right Honourable Speaker,” a member of the House, Abiodun Tobun, said during a briefing with journalists.
Flanked by other lawmakers, Tobun said Obasa’s impeachment was necessary to “safeguard the sanctity and reputation” of the Assembly.
The removal of a Speaker by a two-thirds majority vote is backed by section 92(2) (C) of the Nigerian constitution. Obasa’s removal by 75 per cent of the lawmakers ended the leadership of the 52-year-old lawmaker, who has represented Agege state constituency for 18 years.
So how did Lagos’s longest-serving Speaker (2015 to 2025), purported to nurse an ambition to become the next governor of Lagos State, get kicked out of his exalted seat?
For nearly a decade, Obasa ruled the Lagos Assembly with what many described as an iron fist. Once the third most powerful figure in the state, he now finds himself reduced to the role of an ordinary floor member representing Agege Constituency I.
Obasa was born on November11, 1972. His political career took off when he became a councilor in Agege Local Government under the Alliance for Democracy in 1999. He served in this role until 2002.
Obasa secured a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003, representing Agege Constituency I. He went on to win re-elections in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Lagos State politics.
To put Obasa’s long stay as a Lagos lawmaker in perspective, he has served as a lawmaker under four different state governors (Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu) and was Speaker during the tenure of the last two.
Face off with Sanwo-Olu
Obasa’s nearly decade-long reign as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was a study in contrasts. On one hand, his unwavering loyalty to Bola Tinubu’s Bourdillon faction earned him immense influence and power. On the other, his unyielding stance often sparked controversy and criticism.
He reportedly thwarted key initiatives and budget proposals during Akinwunmi Ambode’s governorship tenure and was accused of arrogance and disregard for authority.
The same treatment was reportedly meted on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was sworn into office in 2019.
Political observers and officials of Governor Sanwo-Olu said the ousted speaker refused to collaborate with the governor and in some instances, showed disrespect to him.
This situation strained their working relationship and raised concern among the leadership of the ruling APC.
For instance, the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, the highest political, though unconstitutional, advisory body of the APC, had to meet with the feuding duo after the Assembly rejected 17 out of the 39 cabinet nominees sent by the governor for screening.
It was speculated that the nominees were rejected for political reasons.
Aside from the contentious 2024 Lagos State Local Council Administration Law sent to Governor Sanwo-Olu for approval, which had already created tension between the two parties, Obasa’s remarks during the 2025 budget presentation proved to be the final straw.
In his speech, Obasa threw jibes at the governor and quipped that he was more qualified to govern the state.
“Let me also emphasise that those who live in glass houses must not throw stones as the saying goes. Becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off,” he said.
His statement angered many party leaders, loyalists and state officials who believed Obasa’s disrespect to the governor must not go unchecked.
A long tenure, experience, and seniority can foster self-assurance, which may sometimes be perceived as arrogance. Nevertheless, the situation was brought to the attention of the leader of the APC, President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu reportedly reprimanded Obasa and warned him against disrespecting the governor. The meeting may have led to Obasa’s unceremonious removal.
Alleged financial scandal
Among his many ‘sins’, Obasa was reportedly involved in a multimillionaire scandal and alleged looting of public funds.
The former speaker was alleged to have spent N17 billion to fix a gate at the Lagos Assembly complex. It was also alleged that he spent N200 million on a thanksgiving service for staff.
Obasa has since denied the allegations.
Another media report claimed that he, in collusion with certain lawmakers, facilitated the monthly disbursement of N10 million to his wife. This allocation was purportedly made under the auspices of a gender inclusiveness programme for empowering women, but its legitimacy has been called into question.
In 2020, the former speaker was interrogated by the conomic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of fraud and financial misappropriation. He was said to have owned more than 60 bank accounts, through which he misused public funds.
In 2023, the EFCC reportedly withdrew the money laundering suit against Obasa.
Attempt to abolish LCDAs
One of the issues which sparked controversy under Obasa was the move by the House under his leadership to abolish the 37 Local Council Development Areas created when Tinubu was governor.
After the Supreme Court granted autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria, the Lagos House introduced a bill to scrap the LCDAs and replace them with newly designated administrative areas.
The bill titled “Bill for a law to provide for the local governments’ system, establishment, and administration, and to consolidate all laws on local government administration”, sought to recognise 20 LGAs in the state as outlined in the 1999 constitution.
Kicking against it, the Chairman of APC in Lagos, Cornelius Ojelabi had said, “Our position as a progressive party is that we cannot discountenance the contributions of the LCDAs to the overall political and socio-economic development of the state.
“Our landscape is dotted by several infrastructural projects by the LCDAs which include road, drainage and market construction, school and housing projects, primary education and health facilities and various social service interventions etc. The various collaborative efforts with the state government on refuse disposal, drain clearing and security are also pointers to their continuous relevance.”
In 2023, Obasa was involved in another controversy over the row between him and Sanwo-Olu on the confirmation of commissioners. The House under his leadership allegedly refused to clear close to half (17) of the 39 commissioner nominees recommended by the governor.
Among those rejected were six persons who served in the cabinet of Sanwo-Olu during his first term. The noise from that drama reverberated across the country warranting the GAC to meet with both parties in search for a truce.
While reacting to the criticisms that trailed the decision of the House, Obasa had said there is no fight between the lawmakers and the governor adding that “but we have constitutional rights to say yes or no to his nominees.”
The statement was seen as a daring one to the leaders of the party in the state and overbearing on his alleged political ambition.
A legislative aide, who preferred to remain anonymous, painted a picture of Obasa’s sudden fall: “Yesterday, honourables and staff who once cheered Obasa began hailing the new speaker. It was shocking to see the loyalty shift overnight.”
2027 governorship ambition
Stripped of the perks and power of the speaker’s office, Obasa is now just another legislator. Gone are the front-row seats, the special recognitions, and the endless stream of goodwill gifts from ministries and private organisations.
For a man who once wielded influence across Lagos, the transition will be humbling. The question remains: will Obasa reconcile with his new reality or fight to reclaim his influence?
Obasa’s political problems, observers say, stemmed from his ambition to contest for governor in 2027. Allegedly, he began building a grassroots network, the Obasa Support Group, across Lagos’ 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.
This move reportedly rattled party elders and powerbrokers, who viewed it as a challenge to the status quo.
His treatment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2023 budget presentation further exacerbated tensions.
A snide remark, “I am not too young or inexperienced to be governor and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there,” was seen as disrespectful, fueling animosity among party leaders.
A political analyst, Jide Ojo, captured the sentiment, saying “This may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it an own goal.”
The Point gathered that the Lagos State chapter of the APC has been facing internal rumblings after Obasa made some controversial comments on who succeeds Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2027.
This year’s congress and elections into the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas have pitted various tendencies and cleavages against themselves.
The signals of bitter rivalry among governorship aspirants have been unsettling the party leaders and impacting governance.
The rivalry has been particularly fierce between the Deputy Governor, Kadiri Hamzat and Obasa. But the recent political manoeuvres by President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, had changed the political calculation and added a new dimension to the contest.
Although none of the aspirants had officially declared their intention to run, subtle politicking, behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, strategic alliances, and covert campaigns were already reshaping the political landscape.
While Governor Sanwo-Olu is constitutional barred from re-contesting, having won election twice to the plum office, it was gathered that some of his aides had pitched their tents in support of the ambition of the deputy governor for continuity and his unflinching loyalty to their boss, a situation that has caused political friction between them and Obasa’s supporters.
Party sources said there is no love lost between Sanwo-Olu and Obasa over who will emerge as the next governor of the state.
However, one of the members of the Governance Advisory Council, who pleaded for anonymity, said, “Obasa should tread carefully; there was no need for the drama, which he displayed during the budget presentation.”
According to him, “Sanwo-Olu has no dog in this fight. Why treat him and members of his cabinet like that? Is Sanwo-Olu running for a third term?”
It was also gathered that the chairman of GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, who was unhappy with the way the governor was shabbily treated by Obasa reported the incident to President Bola Tinubu, during his Christmas holiday in Lagos and expressed concerns that the matter may get out of hand, if not properly curtailed before the party’s congress and local council elections holding in the state.
Inside party sources disclosed that the President cautioned Obasa to tread softly as 2027 is too far. The President was also said to have expressed surprise at the Bill before the State Assembly that will enable lawmakers to sack the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission and asked Obasa, “Which governor will sign such a bill into law, anyway?”
Former speaker may be arrested upon return to Nigeria over alleged N43.5bn fraud
Obasa and two other lawmakers were conspicuously absent during Friday’s plenary session where the new principal officers emerged.
Other lawmakers missing were Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 2) and the former Majority Leader, Naheem Adams.
The new Speaker of the House, Mojisola Meranda, who presided over the session, unveiled the new principal officers.
The plenary, which commenced at 11 a.m., saw the attendance of a majority of lawmakers representing various constituencies.
During Friday’s session, Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, announced the new principal officers of the House.
In her address, Meranda pledged to “work tirelessly to uphold the principles of transparency, good governance, and other noble tenets that this noble House stands for.”
The members appointed Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1) as Majority Leader, Sanni Babatunde ( Kosofe 1) as Chief Whip, Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2) as Deputy Majority Leader while David Setonji (Badagry 2) as Deputy Chief Whip.
The House also set up a Selection Committee to appoint the Standing Committees. The Committee is chaired by the Speaker of the House.
However, the session was marked by the absence of two lawmakers: Adams Noheem of Eti-Osa Constituency 1 and Nureni Akinsanya of Mushin Constituency 1.
Though no reason was given during the session for the lawmakers’ absence, it has raised questions about potential rifts and that they may not be happy with the recent change of leadership in the House.
Thus the Lagos House of Assembly new leadership announcement in Friday’s plenary, sets the tone for legislative activities, and comes at a crucial time as the Assembly seeks to consolidate its role in delivering policies and laws that align with the development aspirations of Lagos State.
Many observers have lauded the smooth transition in leadership but highlighted the critical role the new principal officers will play in ensuring the Assembly remains proactive and collaborative.
A Political Science lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr. Femi Ogundele, noted that the appointment of Temitope Adewale as Majority Leader reflects a strategic choice.
“Hon. Adewale’s legislative experience positions him to steer the Assembly’s majority bloc effectively, especially in navigating sensitive legislative agendas that require party cohesion,” Ogundele said.
On the other hand, the absence of two lawmakers during such a pivotal session has drawn attention.
A governance expert, Dr. Cynthia Akande, emphasized the importance of full participation in legislative activities.
“Lawmakers need to demonstrate commitment, particularly during the formative stages of a new leadership structure. Absenteeism, whether due to personal or political reasons, could send the wrong signals to constituents and party stakeholders,” Akande observed.
As Majority Leader, Temitope Adewale will coordinate legislative business, ensuring smooth communication between the executive and legislative branches.
The Chief Whip, David Setonji, will focus on maintaining discipline and ensuring adherence to Assembly rules, while Richard Kasumu and Sani Okanlawon will support these efforts through their respective roles as Deputy Majority Leader and Deputy Whip.
The new leadership faces significant challenges, including managing the Assembly’s relationship with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, overseeing effective budget implementation, and addressing pressing urban development issues in Lagos.
Additionally, the Assembly will need to tackle rising concerns about transparency and public engagement in legislative processes.
The unveiling of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s new leadership marks a significant step in the state’s legislative journey.
As the new principal officers assume their roles, expectations are high for a dynamic and responsive Assembly that prioritizes the needs of Lagosians.
However, with two lawmakers absent from the session, questions linger about unity and commitment within the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the embattled former Speaker, Obasa, might face intense scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following his impeachment on Monday over allegations of misappropriating N43.5 billion state funds.
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that Obasa is expected to be arrested upon his return to Nigeria from the United States.
While speaking on the condition of anonymity, an EFCC insider said, “The evidence against him is overwhelming. This time, he won’t be able to wriggle out. The case has been meticulously compiled, and we are ready to take action.”
Obasa, who had previously faced an EFCC probe in 2020 for allegedly spending N1.1 billion within a week, was cleared without charges. However, this time, officials believe his chances of escaping prosecution are slim.
“Heavy hammer is waiting to fall on him,” the source added, emphasizing the agency’s resolve to ensure accountability.
However, the once-powerful speaker appears to have lost the backing of influential allies, including President Bola Tinubu.
It was learnt that sources close to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that Obasa’s calls have gone unanswered, signaling deliberate isolation from the Presidency.
“His political connections have dried up. He’s on his own now,” said a source familiar with the situation.
The EFCC has assured that there will be no disruptions in its plans to apprehend Obasa upon his arrival.
“We have no political interference at all. He will clarify things to our detectives,” an EFCC source stated.
Banire, SAN, said “Mudasiru Obasa must bear in mind that he was not elected by his constituents as a Speaker but as a legislator on their behalf, hence, he must feel free to continue to represent the interest of his constituents as such. The lesson from the scenario that has played out is that what goes around comes around. As we lay precedents in our ways of life, we must continuously remember that we might equally end up being a victim of such. The further lesson that Speakers and other principal members of any parliament must constantly bear in mind is that they are just first amongst the equals.”
Obasa’s loyalists tackle opponents
However, some loyalists of Obasa have rejected allegations of misconduct and fraud leveled against him.
The loyalists, who are mostly from Obasa’s Agege Constituency 1, noted that the allegations were politically motivated.
At his constituency office in Agege, where people gathered on Friday to deliberate on the next course of action, his allies dismissed the allegations against him.
The Chairman of the Community Development Committee for Agege Local Government Area, Omodele Morufu, said there was no evidence to support them.
“The allegations against Obasa are nothing more than hearsay. Is it a crime for someone to express interest in a position? If Obasa says he wants to become the governor and God supports him, it is a source of pride for us in Agege. Those spreading unfounded claims are not God.
“Whether or not he was treated fairly by the Lagos Assembly, I can only say that Obasa is a good man, upright, and has done a lot for the people of Agege. That is why you see everyone rallying around him today. Obasa remains the leader of Agege politics”
“We elected him to represent us at the House, and he has served us excellently. When he aspired to become speaker, didn’t he inform the House of his intention? He did, and they elected him — not once. Now, if he expresses interest in becoming the next governor, is that a crime?” Morufu added.
He explained that the meeting was to dispel misconceptions surrounding Obasa’s impeachment.
“We gathered here today to inform the people about what is truly happening so they can have the facts. We are here to strategise on the way forward and to counter any false narratives that may emerge from this development,” Morufu stated.
According to him, the meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, Muslim clerics, and representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the council, women leaders, and youth representatives.
In his remarks at the meeting, Egunjobi reiterated Obasa’s importance to Agege politics.
“Whether or not he was treated fairly by the Lagos Assembly, I can only say that Obasa is a good man, upright, and has done a lot for the people of Agege. That is why you see everyone rallying around him today. Obasa remains the leader of Agege politics,” he stated.
Similarly, the Alaige of Orile Agege Kingdom, Oba Egbeyemi Lateef Oladimeji, described Obasa as a pillar of support for the community.
“Obasa has been very good to me and the community. He played a key role in my enthronement, which had been delayed since 2016. He stood for justice. What happened to him is simply politics among politicians, and as traditional rulers, we do not interfere in such matters,” the king said.
The CDC Secretary, Babatunde Hassan, described Obasa’s impeachment as a significant loss to the Agege community, citing the many benefits his leadership brought to the constituency.
“The allegations against him remain unproven; they are mere hearsay. If there’s genuine evidence, it should be presented clearly for everyone to see. As it stands, the claims exist only among members of the House and may be driven by internal grudges,” Hassan stated.
The CAN chairman for the local government, Teddy Afeni, also insisted that the allegations were political.
“There’s no politician without allegations. To allege is common. Even if President Bola Tinubu steps down today, someone will indict him. Once you are in office, accusations are inevitable. It’s all part of the political game. But we pray that the Lord will restore Obasa’s lost glory,” Afeni said.
What next for Obasa?
Despite his impeachment, Obasa remains a formidable grassroots politician. However, his gubernatorial ambitions may now be on hold, if not permanently derailed.
Can he rebuild his political career from the ashes of his impeachment? Or will the fallout from his controversial tenure as Speaker end his aspirations for higher office?
For now, Lagosians are left watching the political chessboard, where a once-dominant player has been ousted, and new alliances are being forged.
Obasa’s political future remains uncertain. Following his removal from office, speculations are rife about his next move.
The APC has a strong grip on the political leadership in Lagos so Obasa is not expected to leave the party as he would want to remain relevant politically. However, he may choose to lie low and distance himself from his party’s key functions or reconcile with the top echelon of the APC.
