The recent impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has unveiled a storm of political drama, with allegations of corruption, defiance, and high-level interference rocking the corridors of power. This decision, which some describe as long overdue, has cast a spotlight on President Bola Tinubu’s failed attempts to shield Obasa from his political downfall.
Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Fouad Oki has revealed that President Tinubu made significant efforts to mediate the escalating crisis within the Lagos Assembly. However, Obasa’s unrelenting resistance to party elders’ counsel sealed his fate, ultimately leading to his removal.
Speaking on Channels TV, Oki disclosed that Tinubu was called upon by members of the party’s influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to step into the fray. According to Oki, Tinubu, acting as the “father and leader” of the party, convened a meeting to address concerns raised about Obasa’s conduct.
“Before the president came home, this issue had been lingering. In the wisdom of members of the GAC, the president’s attention was called,” Oki explained. “The president saw by himself a recalcitrant Obasa. I think that is what broke the camel’s back.”
Despite Tinubu’s efforts to reconcile the warring factions and restore order, Obasa’s defiance reportedly left no room for compromise. His unwillingness to heed the advice of party elders led to his impeachment on Monday, ending his tenure amidst a flurry of allegations.
Obasa’s ousting marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, with Mojisola Meranda stepping in as the new Speaker. However, the decision to impeach Obasa was far from sudden. It followed months of simmering allegations of fraud and financial impropriety that had cast a long shadow over his tenure.
In December 2024, Sahara Reporters revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had received multiple petitions urging an investigation into Obasa’s alleged misuse of funds. Among these was a petition filed by the Progressive Youth Movement of Ikeja, accusing Obasa of embezzling public funds through proxy companies and breaching procurement regulations.
The N17 Billion Scandal
A particularly damning allegation involved the mismanagement of N17 billion earmarked for constructing a gate at the Lagos State House of Assembly. According to the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, Obasa failed to account for the funds, raising suspicions of gross financial misconduct.
Additionally, the petition claimed that the Finance Management Committee had not convened since the 10th Assembly’s inauguration, allowing Obasa to make unauthorized financial decisions without oversight.
Oki emphasized that the impeachment decision was not taken lightly. “It was a culmination of unresolved tensions, Obasa’s refusal to heed advice, and mounting allegations of corruption,” he noted.
While Obasa’s removal may signal a new chapter for the Lagos Assembly, it also raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and the role of political leaders in safeguarding public trust.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for Tinubu’s Leadership
This political saga not only exposes the cracks within the APC’s power structure in Lagos but also serves as a test for President Tinubu’s leadership. As the nation watches closely, many are left wondering whether Tinubu’s intervention was a genuine attempt to restore order or a calculated move to protect an ally from public disgrace.
For now, Obasa’s impeachment sends a clear message that even political heavyweights are not immune to the consequences of defiance and alleged corruption. But whether this marks the beginning of a broader reform in Lagos politics remains to be seen.
PIONEER NEWS 