Beyond Gubernatorial Ambition: The Real Reasons Behind Obasa’s Removal
The recent removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has sparked widespread speculation and controversy, with insiders revealing that the move was far more calculated than initially perceived. While Obasa’s alleged gubernatorial ambitions were cited as a contributing factor, deeper political undercurrents and power struggles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appear to be the driving forces behind his ouster.
Sources close to the matter have disclosed that Obasa’s removal was meticulously orchestrated by a powerful faction within the party, often referred to as the “cabal.” This group, which includes influential political figures and traditional rulers, reportedly viewed Obasa as a growing threat due to his increasing influence and autonomy. Among those implicated in the plot are a former senator, a former ambassador, a former minister from Lagos Central Senatorial District, and a former deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, now a serving senator.
The cabal’s strategy reportedly involved the recruitment of serving and former members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, key officials in the state government, and even some council chairmen. The operation, codenamed “Resist GAC” and “Obasa Must Go,” gained momentum with the backing of prominent traditional rulers who have long advocated for greater local control over Lagos politics. One traditional ruler was quoted as saying, “Lagos for Lagos has started, and we are set to rescue Lagos from ‘a to hun in wa’ (foreigners).”
Financial inducements also played a significant role in securing support for Obasa’s removal. A former commissioner, now a serving lawmaker, allegedly distributed cash rewards to assembly members in the weeks leading up to the speaker’s ouster. These funds, reportedly held by a prominent monarch from Lagos Central Senatorial District, were said to have been provided by a recently appointed ally of President Bola Tinubu. The same funds were also used to fuel propaganda against Tinubu, his wife, and Obasa, further complicating the political landscape.
The removal was openly celebrated at the Lagos State APC secretariat, where a Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairman was seen jubilantly making calls to media outlets to spread the news. This brazen display of triumph underscores the deep divisions within the party and the extent to which internal rivalries have escalated.
The fallout from Obasa’s removal has raised concerns about the future of the APC in Lagos. Party stalwarts have lamented the erosion of discipline, loyalty, and respect for leadership, particularly within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which is meant to provide oversight and guidance. Many GAC members are accused of prioritizing personal and familial interests, with their children occupying key positions as council chairmen, assembly members, and commissioners.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the upcoming 2025 local government elections, party congresses, and the broader struggle for control of Lagos politics. The battle lines are drawn between “Team Tinubu,” which seeks to maintain its dominance, and “Team Sanwo-Olu,” which appears determined to chart a new course.
Political analysts and Lagos residents alike are watching closely to see how these power plays will shape the state’s future. Will President Tinubu’s strategic acumen prevail, or will the bullish ambitions of his rivals redefine the political equation? One thing is certain: the removal of Mudashiru Obasa is not just about one man’s ambition—it is a reflection of the intense and often ruthless competition for power in Nigeria’s most economically significant state.
As the weeks and months unfold, the true implications of this political upheaval will become clearer. For now, Lagos remains a battleground, and the stakes could not be higher.
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Beyond Gubernatorial Ambition: The Real Reasons Behind Obasa’s Removal