Lagos lawmakers list Obasa’s ‘many sins’

Lagos lawmakers have listed perpetual lateness to legislative functions and meetings, high-handedness and inciting members against each other as some of the ‘sins’ over which Mudashiru Obasa was impeached as Speaker of the state assembly

Recall that members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, impeached the embattled Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege, over alleged financial misappropriation.

The lawmakers replaced Obasa with his erstwhile deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa I. This makes her the first substantive female Speaker in the history of the state assembly.

The Assembly also removed the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, following the impeachment of Obasa.

Obasa, was in a gestapo manner, impeached by members, ending his 10-year reign as speaker, and Onafeko, who was said to have been brought to the assembly by Obasa singlehandedly.

The impeached speaker and Onafeko were also behind the ban on journalists covering the activities of the assembly for over two years ago.

Consequently, armed security personnel of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS; Lagos Task Force, and state police command have taken over the premises and environs turning back every motorist and person.

Meanwhile, some miscreants who were trying to invade the complex were intercepted, arrested and clamped into a waiting Black Maria.

Some charms and amulets were also recovered from the miscreants believed to be supporters of Obasa from Agege Constituency.

Obasa was impeached following a motion moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Femi Saheed.

Saheed, in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sections and meetings; highhandedness and lack of regard of members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting them against one another amongst others.

He mentioned that Obasa also practices an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties.

He, therefore, moved the motion for impeachment.

Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.

Subsequently, Meranda emerged as the new speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

In a related development, the House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko. He has been replaced with Mr. Abubakar Ottun as the Acting Clerk of the House.

Later, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, while speaking with newsmen on behalf of the lawmakers, explained why the members changed the leadership of the house.

According to him, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has 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 officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”

He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.

The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.