By Lukman Olabiyi
There was wild jubilation at the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday as lawmakers unanimously impeached the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, ending his almost a decade reign.
Moving the motion for his removal under matter of urgent public importance, Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe Constituency 2, who cited relevant sections of the constitution which backed the impeachment, said Obasa was being removed for some infractions. He was subsequently replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1. Until yesterday, she was the former Chief Whip. Mojeed Fatai was elected deputy Speaker.
Her appointment as first female speaker of Lagos Assembly, according to observers, is historic.
In her inaugural address, she pledged to lead with transparency and integrity and work hard to restore public trust in the Assembly’s operations.
The motion for his impeachment was subjected to a voice vote three times by Meranda, who presided over proceedings and all the lawmakers unanimously shouted “Yes” in support of the impeachment.
The impeachment of Obasa can be said to be a punishment for his sins. While he presided over the affairs of the House, he was always at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The lawmakers have described the impeachment of Obasa as an attempt to end the era of bad leadership, stating they could no longer tolerate his leadership.
Part of the allegations against him was gross misconduct, poor leadership, highhandedness, lack of commitment to legislative business, intimidation and suppression of lawmakers.
Other allegations are inciting lawmakers against one another, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, authoritarianism, financial improprieties, including purported misappropriation of N17 billion for construction of a gate at the Assembly complex and the approval of N200 million for a thanksgiving event. These claims were brought forward by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, which accused Obasa of financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
The former Speaker has, however, denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Despite his defence, the Assembly proceeded with the impeachment, signaling a commitment to uphold accountability within its ranks. The motion for his impeachment was seconded by Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2
Speaking to journalists, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, emphasised that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.”
Tobun explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
The impeachment of Obasa has also been described as a breath of fresh air by workers within the Assembly complex as several of them who spoke, said they were happy with the development.
Many of the staff complained about the highhandedness of Obasa in dealing with the Assembly workers including their welfare.