The Lagos State House of Assembly has made it crystal clear: Mudashiru Obasa is out as Speaker. This isn’t just a simple changing of the guard; it’s a significant move that has rocked the political scene in Lagos. The Assembly insists they followed all the rules, but what exactly happened, and what does it mean for the future of Lagos politics? Let’s dive in.
Key Points:
- Obasa’s Removal: The Assembly has reaffirmed their decision to remove Mudashiru Obasa from his position as Speaker.
- Constitutional Grounding: Lawmakers insist the removal was conducted according to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act.
- DSS Involvement: The Department of State Services (DSS) was involved, and all detained lawmakers have since been released.
- New Speaker: Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda has taken over as the new Speaker.
- Allegations of Misconduct: Obasa was removed over allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.
The Showdown: Why Was Obasa Removed?
On January 13, 2025, a whopping 35 out of 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly voted to remove Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. This wasn’t a quiet, behind-the-scenes move. The allegations were serious: misconduct and mismanagement of funds. It’s like when the head prefect in school gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar – not good.
The Assembly’s Response: We Followed the Rules!
The Lagos State Assembly isn’t backing down. They’ve stated, loud and clear, that this wasn’t some rogue action. They insist that everything they did was completely in line with the Nigerian Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act. They’re saying, ‘We followed the law, end of story!’ They even cited Sections 92 and 96 of the constitution, which are the specific rules for electing and booting a speaker.
The lawmakers released a statement through Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode to emphasize that they acted independently and in the best interest of the people. It’s like they’re saying, ‘This isn’t about us; it’s about serving Lagos.’ They also said that any attempt to challenge their decision is like challenging the Constitution itself, you know, like trying to fight a referee after a bad call.
DSS Involvement: Keeping Things Orderly
After all this drama, the lawmakers had a little chat with the Department of State Services (DSS). Hon. Olukayode mentioned that the DSS handled the situation very professionally, and all the detained lawmakers have been released. It seems like the DSS just wanted to make sure everything was done correctly and without any drama. It’s like having the police come to the school to sort out the prefect’s cookie-jar problem.
What’s Next? The Assembly’s Stance
The Assembly has a message for everyone: respect the legislative process. They’re saying, ‘We need a quiet place where we can do our work.’ They’ve asked the public and the executive to stay out of it, emphasizing the importance of the legislative body’s autonomy. In short, they want to be left alone to do their job, you know, like teachers asking for a little peace and quiet to grade papers.
The New Sheriff in Town: Mojisola Lawal-Meranda
With Obasa out of the picture, his former Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda, has stepped into the role of Speaker. She’s now the top dog in the Assembly. It’s like the deputy prefect getting promoted after the head prefect gets suspended. It remains to be seen what her leadership will bring to the Lagos Assembly.
The Bigger Picture: Lagos Politics
This whole situation is more than just about one person. It’s a big deal for Lagos politics. It shows how seriously the Assembly takes issues of misconduct and the fact that they are willing to remove a speaker who they think has gone off course. It’s a reminder that politics in Nigeria is not for the faint of heart – it is a rollercoaster ride.