The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, January 13, 2025, impeached its longest-serving Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, citing multiple statutory and financial infractions, including the alleged withdrawal of N43.5 billion for backup vehicles for lawmakers.
Hon. Obasa, who had held the position since 2015, was removed during an emergency plenary session after a motion of impeachment was raised under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed.
“In line with Section 92(2)(C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obasa is accused of gross misconduct and poor leadership, including perpetual lateness to legislative sessions, high-handedness, lack of regard for honourable members, abuse of office, and intimidation,” Saheed stated during the session.
Saheed further alleged that Obasa ran an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style, leading to the collapse of trust within the Assembly. The motion was adopted by 32 members through a voice vote, sealing Obasa’s fate.
Following the impeachment, the Assembly promptly elected Deputy Speaker Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker, making her the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Hon. Meranda, who represents Apapa 1 Constituency, took the oath of office, declaring, “I affirm that I will be faithful as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”
Meranda, a core Lagos indigene and advocate for gender equality, has been a prominent figure in Lagos politics since 2008. With a background in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and experience in both public service and the private sector, she is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the House.
The Assembly also elected Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, as the new Deputy Speaker. Furthermore, all existing structures in the legislature, including standing committees, were dissolved.
The Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, was suspended and replaced by Mr. Abubakar Ottun in an acting capacity.
Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, 52, was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, alongside former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. His impeachment makes him the second Speaker in Lagos’ Fourth Republic history to be removed from office, following Hon. Jokotola Pelumi’s removal in 2005.
