Sanwo-olu speaks on his alleged involvement in Obasa’s impeachment

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has firmly denied any involvement in the recent impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa was removed from his position on January 13, 2025, following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, emphasized the independence of the legislative process, stating, “It is purely a legislative matter, and the Assembly handled it the best way they could. It has nothing to do with the governor.”

The impeachment was reportedly supported by a significant majority of Assembly members, with 32 out of 40 voting in favor of Obasa’s removal. The decision was based on several key points, including allegations of gross mismanagement, highhandedness, intimidation of members, misappropriation of funds, and authoritarianism.

In the wake of Obasa’s impeachment, Mojisola Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker, was unanimously elected as the new Speaker, making her the first female to hold this position in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Hon. Fatai Mojeed was also elected as the new Deputy Speaker.

Speculations have arisen regarding the underlying reasons for Obasa’s impeachment. Some sources suggest that his alleged ambition to contest for the Lagos State governorship in 2027 may have contributed to tensions within the political landscape. Reports indicate that Obasa’s purported gubernatorial aspirations and perceived disrespect towards Governor Sanwo-Olu created friction among key political figures in the state.

Additionally, Obasa faced allegations of financial impropriety. In December 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) received petitions accusing him of using proxy companies to embezzle funds from the Lagos House of Assembly and violating procurement regulations. One such allegation involved the purported expenditure of N17 billion on constructing a gate for the Assembly, a claim Obasa dismissed as “spurious and laughable.”

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has also distanced itself from the impeachment proceedings. Seye Oladejo, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, stated that the development “remains an internal affair of the legislative arm – the Lagos State House of Assembly,” underscoring the party’s respect for the separation of powers.

As the new leadership takes charge, Governor Sanwo-Olu has expressed optimism about fostering a collaborative relationship with Speaker Meranda and the Assembly.

Recently, allegations have been made against the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, regarding his alleged involvement in the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. The Governor has come out to address these allegations, stating that he had no involvement in the impeachment process and that he respects the independence of the legislature.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of separation of powers and reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law in Lagos State. He stated that he believes in the autonomy of the legislature and does not interfere in its affairs. The Governor also pointed out that the impeachment process is a constitutional matter that should be handled by the lawmakers themselves.

These allegations have caused a stir in the political landscape of Lagos State, with many speculating on the true motives behind the impeachment of Speaker Obasa. However, Governor Sanwo-Olu's statement has helped to clarify his position on the matter and reaffirm his commitment to good governance and transparency.

it is important to wait for the full investigation into the allegations against Governor Sanwo-Olu before jumping to conclusions. The Governor's commitment to upholding the rule of law and respect for the separation of powers should be taken into consideration when analyzing this issue. Only time will tell the true story behind the impeachment of Speaker Obasa and the role, if any, that Governor Sanwo-Olu played in this process.