Obasa’s Absence from Lagos Assembly Sparks Controversy One Month After Removal as Speaker
One month after his dramatic removal as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has yet to make an appearance at the House, fueling speculation and deepening the political crisis surrounding his ouster.
Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, by a majority of the 40-member House, citing allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office. At the time of his removal, Obasa was in the United States, and upon his return to Lagos on January 25, he vehemently denied the allegations, challenging his colleagues to provide evidence of wrongdoing.
“My status in the House? I believe strongly I am still the Speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it,” Obasa told journalists during a press briefing at the Speaker’s Lodge in GRA Ikeja.
Despite his defiant stance, Obasa has not attended any of the five plenary sessions presided over by his successor, Mojisola Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker who assumed the role of Speaker following his removal. Meranda has since restructured the House’s leadership and committees, signaling a new era in the Assembly.
Constitutional Implications of Obasa’s Absence
Under Section 109 (1)(f) of the Nigerian Constitution (1999), a lawmaker’s seat can only be declared vacant if they are absent from meetings for more than one-third of the total number of sitting days in a year. This means Obasa’s seat remains secure for now, but his prolonged absence raises questions about his political future and the stability of the House.
Sources close to Obasa have attempted to downplay his absence, claiming that the House is still on recess. The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Oluwagbenga Abiola, echoed this sentiment during a recent interview on TVC, stating, “The House is still on recess. The mace, the authority of the House, has already taken into acceptance that we’re closing on this date and we’re opening on that date.”
Abiola further argued that the process of reconvening the House during a recess requires formal procedures, including a letter from the Clerk and approval from the Speaker. “The House recognized by law is still in recess as we speak, irrespective of the brouhaha ongoing,” he added, noting that the House is officially scheduled to resume on February 18, 2025.
Political Fallout and Party Tensions
Obasa’s removal has exposed deep fissures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. While some lawmakers have rallied behind Meranda, others remain loyal to Obasa, creating a tense atmosphere in the Assembly.
The House Spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, remained tight-lipped when contacted for comment, further fueling speculation about the internal dynamics of the Assembly.
A Test for Democracy and Due Process
The ongoing saga raises critical questions about due process and the rule of law in Nigeria’s legislative institutions. Obasa’s insistence that his removal was procedurally flawed highlights the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions in such matters.
As the Lagos State House of Assembly prepares to resume later this month, all eyes will be on Obasa and his next move. Will he return to the House to reclaim his seat, or will his absence mark the end of an era in Lagos politics?
For now, the political drama surrounding Mudashiru Obasa serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges of governance in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Reference
Obasa’s Absence from Lagos Assembly Sparks Controversy One Month After Removal as Speaker