Lagos Lawmakers Impeach Speaker Obasa Amid Multibillion-Naira Fraud Allegations
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of financial misconduct and statutory violations. The decision, reached on Monday, saw Mr. Obasa replaced by his deputy, Lasbat Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1 and previously served as the House’s chief whip.
The impeachment followed a report by The Gazette alleging that Mr. Obasa sanctioned the withdrawal of ₦43.5 billion for “backup vehicles” for lawmakers, alongside other controversial expenditures.
According to Peoples Gazette, Mr. Obasa, 52, was in Atlanta, United States, at the time of his removal.
Mr. Obasa was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, during the tenure of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode. His speakership, however, has been clouded by allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
In 2020, The Gazette published a series of investigative reports accusing him of diverting public funds to personal firms and bank accounts. Similarly, Sahara Reporters revealed Mr. Obasa’s extensive property holdings across Lagos, further fueling public scrutiny.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited Mr. Obasa for questioning after the media spotlight intensified. Despite denying all allegations, no charges were filed following his meeting with investigators.
The Speaker’s impeachment marks a significant turning point in Lagos State politics, raising questions about accountability and governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Why Lawmakers Impeached Long-Term Lagos Speaker Obasa
The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached its long-serving Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, citing gross misconduct and abuse of office.
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During an impeachment session held on Monday, January 13, at the Assembly chambers in Lagos, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to remove Mr. Obasa, with 90 percent of members supporting the decision.
Following his removal, the Assembly elected Deputy Speaker Mrs. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker of the House. Mrs. Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, is stepping into the leadership role amidst heightened political scrutiny.
While the specific allegations leading to Mr. Obasa’s impeachment remain unclear, his tenure has been marked by controversies, including accusations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.
The impeachment marks the end of an era for Mr. Obasa, who has been a central figure in Lagos State politics for years.
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