Political tremors shook Lagos State yesterday as the House of Assembly impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa amid allegations of financial misconduct, marking the end of his historic decade-long tenure. The Assembly made a groundbreaking decision by electing Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as its first female Speaker since the inception of the House.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded during an early morning session when 32 out of 40 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa through a voice vote. The impeachment motion, presented by Honorable Femi Saheed under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, cited multiple infractions including financial misappropriation, authoritarian leadership style, and persistent lateness to legislative sessions.
Security forces, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Taskforce, and Lagos Police Command, swiftly moved to secure the Assembly complex following the impeachment. Their presence proved crucial as they intercepted and arrested several miscreants attempting to breach the premises, reportedly from Agege Constituency which Obasa represents.
The financial allegations against the former Speaker paint a troubling picture of fiscal management. According to official records, the Assembly allocated N30.19 billion for vehicles in 2023 and an additional N13.33 billion in 2024, yet investigations revealed that no vehicles were purchased in 2023. Critics have questioned several other expenditures, including N1.1 billion for properties in 2023, N126 million for Abuja properties in 2024, and N15.65 billion for office construction spanning 2023-2024.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, emphasized that the impeachment was a unanimous decision aimed at safeguarding the Assembly’s image and steering Lagos State in a new direction. The House also took additional measures by removing Assembly Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing him with Abubakar Taiwo Ottun in an acting capacity, and dissolving all standing committees.
The newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, brings a distinguished pedigree to her historic position. Born into the noble family of late Chief Lawal Akapo and related to several royal families including Ojora, Aromire, and Oniru, she is a sibling to the current Oniru of Irulaland, Oba Gbolhan Lawal. Her educational background includes attendance at prestigious institutions such as Anglican Girls Grammar school and Ansar-Ud-Deen secondary school.
The path to Obasa’s impeachment was paved with mounting tensions, particularly during recent legislative activities. Sources close to the Assembly point to several confrontational episodes, including a notable incident during the 2025 budget presentation where Obasa reportedly kept Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, and party leaders waiting. The former Speaker also faced criticism for his role in opposing the governor’s commissioner nominees, necessitating intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Council.
Obasa has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing them as “fake news, spurious and funny.” He particularly contested claims by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition regarding a controversial N17 billion gate construction project and alleged N200 million expenditure on a staff thanksgiving service.
The change in leadership marks a significant shift in the Assembly’s dynamics, with the new Speaker Meranda scheduled to unveil her plans next week. As Lagos State’s legislative branch enters this new era, all eyes remain fixed on how this historic transition will impact the state’s governance and legislative processes.
The impeachment not only ends Obasa’s reign as the longest-serving Speaker but also opens a new chapter in Lagos State’s legislative history with its first female Speaker at the helm. As the dust settles on this dramatic political upheaval, the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and effective governance faces renewed scrutiny under its groundbreaking new leadership.
