In a dramatic session marked by widespread celebration, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly voted to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa yesterday over alleged financial misappropriation. In his place, the lawmakers appointed his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, making her the first female Speaker in the House’s history.
In addition to Obasa’s impeachment, the Assembly also removed Clerk Olalekan Onafeko and dissolved all House committees. Sworn in at 9 am, Speaker Meranda expressed her excitement but stated that she would reveal her plans next week, adding, “I will not be able to talk now.”
Obasa, who denied the allegations and maintained his innocence, saw his 10-year tenure as Speaker come to an end, making him the longest-serving Speaker in the House’s history. Obasa and Onafeko had been close allies, and together they were responsible for implementing a ban on journalists covering House activities for over two years.
Following the impeachment, security personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Taskforce, and Lagos Police Command took control of the Assembly premises and surrounding areas, blocking access to motorists and pedestrians. Some individuals who attempted to enter the complex were intercepted and arrested by security forces. Among those detained were miscreants believed to be from Obasa’s constituency in Agege, who had attempted to breach the Assembly. Charms and amulets were recovered from the suspects.
The motion for Obasa’s impeachment, filed by Femi Saheed under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance, cited alleged financial mismanagement and lack of transparency in the Assembly’s operations. Saheed, referencing Section 92(2)(C) of the Constitution, accused Obasa of gross misconduct, including chronic lateness to sessions, authoritarian leadership, abuse of office, and intimidation of fellow members. Saheed called for his impeachment, which was subsequently approved by 32 of the 40 members of the House through a voice vote.
Following the impeachment, Meranda was appointed as Speaker, and Fatai Mojeed was named Deputy Speaker. The Assembly also suspended Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing him with Abubakar Taiwo Ottun as Acting Clerk.
Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency I, later spoke with the media, explaining the reasons behind the leadership change in the House.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.
“All standing committees and principal office positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution grants the Assembly the authority to regulate its own proceedings, and after extensive deliberations, members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure. The lawmakers reassured the public of their unwavering commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, the newly appointed Speaker, hails from the distinguished family of the late Chief Lawal Akapo (Ojora of Lagos) and Princess M. A. Lawal-Akapo. She is a sibling to Oba Gbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland, and is connected to various royal families, including Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru.
Meranda received her primary education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School and Randle Primary School. She later attended Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School, both in Surulere, where she served as library prefect and secretary of the press club. She earned her West African School Certificate (WASC) while at these schools.
The impeachment of Obasa follows accusations of financial mismanagement related to an alleged N44 billion allocated for vehicles and capital projects over two years. The controversy has sparked concerns over transparency and accountability within the Assembly, drawing criticism from both lawmakers and residents.
A major point of contention was the Assembly’s vehicle budget. Official records indicate that N30.19 billion was allocated in 2023 for vehicles, including official cars, utility buses, and backup vehicles, while another N13.33 billion was earmarked for 2024. However, investigations revealed that no vehicles were purchased in 2023, and only a small portion of the 2024 allocation has been accounted for.
Other questionable expenditures included N1.1 billion for properties in 2023, N126 million in 2024 for properties in Abuja, N15.65 billion for office construction over two years, and a staggering N17 billion spent on gate repairs.
Obasa has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “fake news, spurious, and funny.” He attributed the allegations to the fears of certain individuals concerned about the upcoming 2027 elections, despite the polls being over two years away.
The speaker further debunked the claim that the Assembly spent N200 million on its recently organised Thanksgiving Service for staff.
Obasa said: “It is so funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in the whole year that we will decide to spend N17 billion on a gate? They even claimed that we spent N200 million on thanksgiving that did not hold.”
Addressing further claims by the group about the alleged relationship between him and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, Obasa denied attending the latter’s screening and confirmation by the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu skipped yesterday’s Executive Council Meeting as the news of Obasa filtered in.
Vanguard gathered from a credible source that Sanwo-Olu, had stayed back at the state House, Marina, and delegated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to take charge of the weekly EXCO meeting, while monitoring the impeachment saga as it was unfolding.
Sanwo-Olu, at press time, was yet to make any comment on the development but multiple sources told Vanguard that he welcomed the news with great optimism for a better working relationship after a frosty experience with Obasa’s leadership.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” the executive members were said to have echoed during the meeting which was brief as Hamzat adjourned the meeting.
