Lagos Assembly Speaker Impeached: A Political Earthquake in Nigeria

The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Monday, January 13, 2025, as lawmakers voted to impeach their Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The impeachment, supported by a reported 90% of assembly members, marks a significant shift in Lagos's political landscape.

The Impeachment and its Aftermath

The impeachment session, held within the assembly chambers in Lagos, concluded with the removal of Obasa, who had served three terms as speaker. Following the decision, the deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was swiftly elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female to hold this position in Lagos state's legislative history. This rapid succession of events underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination of the assembly members to move forward. A lawmaker speaking to reporters described the decision as “unanimous,” emphasizing the widespread support for the change in leadership. This decision was immediately implemented, and as a result, all principal positions and standing committees were dissolved, paving the way for a complete restructuring of the assembly's leadership.

Unconfirmed Misconduct Allegations

While the exact nature of the misconduct allegations remain unclear, the removal of Obasa comes on the heels of previous controversies. These controversies include accusations of financial impropriety, specifically, the alleged misappropriation of funds in relation to public projects. This includes the much-publicized claim that N17 billion was spent on a single gate to the assembly complex. Though Obasa vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as “spurious and funny”, they undeniably contributed to the rising discontent surrounding his leadership.

Obasa's Controversial Reign

Mudashiru Obasa, a prominent figure in Lagos politics, had served as Speaker since 2015. His tenure, however, was not without its share of controversies. Beyond the recent accusations, Obasa has faced previous allegations of fraud, political thuggery, and corruption. His leadership has also drawn criticism for certain public statements; notably, in the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, his comments regarding the handling of fatalities sparked outrage among the populace. His remarks on Lagos State being solely Yoruba land during the 2023 general elections also generated further controversy. Despite previous scandals and accusations, Obasa continued in his role until the recent impeachment.

The Rise of Mojisola Meranda: A New Era for Lagos Assembly?

With the appointment of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker, the Lagos State House of Assembly embarks on a new chapter. Her ascension represents a landmark moment for women in Nigerian politics, marking the first time a woman holds the prestigious position. Meranda's previous roles within the assembly, including her positions as chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), and Chief Whip, demonstrate her experience and understanding of the legislative process. The coming weeks and months will be critical in observing how she steers the assembly's agenda, and whether she can effectively address the concerns that led to Obasa's impeachment and rebuild trust and unity within the legislature.

A Time of Uncertainty and Transition

The immediate future of the Lagos State House of Assembly remains uncertain. While the impeachment of Obasa and the appointment of Meranda have brought about swift change, the long-term implications are yet to unfold. The investigations into the allegations against Obasa are still underway and may yield further consequences. The assembly's ability to restore public confidence and regain its integrity will depend on transparency, accountability, and Meranda’s ability to provide decisive and effective leadership. The road ahead is certainly a significant test for the entire Assembly. The people of Lagos will be watching closely, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining if a new era of good governance and trust will emerge. Only time will tell if this change in leadership truly signifies a shift towards a more ethical and responsive legislature, that faithfully serves the people of Lagos State.