The political landscape of the Lagos State House of Assembly took a new turn on Thursday as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a bold return, reaffirming his legitimacy and calling for unity among lawmakers.
This marks his first appearance at the legislative chamber since his controversial removal on January 13—an action he continues to dispute.
Obasa, who was outside the country when the impeachment proceedings took place, was removed from office over allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power.
In his absence, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was appointed as his successor. However, upon his return, Obasa addressed journalists, stressing his commitment to teamwork and dismissing any suggestion of retaliation.
“I have no issues with anyone,” he stated. “My colleagues have always been my brothers—loyal, dedicated, and committed to serving the people of Lagos. We will continue to work together, and I have no intention of victimizing anyone.”
Challenging the legitimacy of his impeachment, Obasa maintained that due process was not followed, rendering the move unconstitutional.
“I’ve told you repeatedly I’ve never been removed. There’s nothing like impeachment. Impeachment is constitutional but to achieve that you must follow the due process,” he said.
“I’m not against being removed, if I do that then I’m not democratic but all we’re saying is let us go through the normal process to achieve that.”
Despite his stance, deep divisions remain within the Assembly. Obasa presided over a plenary session, but only four lawmakers attended, while over 26 legislators were reportedly present in the Assembly complex but refused to join the proceedings.
Beyond the Assembly floor, the power struggle has now entered the legal arena. Obasa has filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State House of Assembly and Speaker Meranda, contesting the validity of his impeachment.
In the legal challenge, he asserts that his removal was orchestrated while the Assembly was in recess and did not adhere to constitutional requirements. He is seeking a fast-tracked hearing to resolve the dispute swiftly.
The political tension has also extended to security matters. The Lagos State Police Command recently withdrew security personnel assigned to Speaker Meranda, citing procedural lapses in the approval of officers deployed to certain individuals.
Police sources clarified that the decision was part of a broader effort to uphold due process rather than a politically motivated move.
