Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been impeached for gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The impeachment occurred on Monday, although the full details of the impeachment remain unclear. However, prior to his removal, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been petitioned to investigate Obasa over several allegations, including financial misconduct, breach of public trust, and abuse of office.
Obasa faced multiple accusations, including the mismanagement of N17 billion earmarked for constructing a gate at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the award of a N469 million contract for the construction of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat to Orgnitek Consult Limited, and the approval of N200 million for a thanksgiving event at the Assembly, which critics argue should not have cost more than N2 million.
Obasa, however, responded to these allegations, describing them as “nonsensical” and politically motivated.
“We should do ourselves a favor, all this nonsense (unfounded allegations) is not going to help all of us at all. N200 million for a whole institution; let me break it down, a whole institution which the members of the institution alone are almost one million people, not to talk of extended invitation to the public including children’s party,” he stated.
He continued to defend the spending, explaining that given the economic situation, the amount was not excessive.
“When you consider the economic situation of today and in your own mind with your experience, do you believe that N200 million is so much to carry out such an event? I have not even agreed that it is N200 million that was spent but let me go with your figure,” Obasa said.
On the allegations regarding the N17 billion gate project, Obasa dismissed the claims, saying it was unrealistic.
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“Secondly, the awarded contract – the company they mentioned, is it in my name? Do they see my name or the names of my family members as directors?” he asked. “And in the same manner I was accused of using N17 billion to construct a gate. How much is the House of Assembly allocation that I will now carry out the construction of a gate at the rate of N17 billion? For the fact that you want to satisfy some people, at least they should be reasonable.”
Obasa further suggested that such allegations tend to surface as elections approach. “When election is approaching all manner of allegations will start coming up. So, I don’t know what you expect me to say,” he added.
The Progressive Youth Movement of Ikeja, Lagos, had filed a petition to the EFCC in December 2024, accusing Obasa of using proxy companies to embezzle funds from the House of Assembly. The group also alleged that the Finance Management Committee had not met officially since the 10th Assembly was inaugurated, allowing Obasa to make unauthorized financial decisions.
Meanwhile, following Obasa’s impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda (Apapa I), who previously served as Deputy Speaker, has emerged as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Her appointment follows the removal of Obasa over the allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
