Lagos State Governo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has distanced himself from the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
KanyiDaily recalls that Mudashiru Obasa was impeached on Monday, January 13, over multiple allegations including misconduct, abuse and financial misappropriation.
Sources confirmed that the decision to impeach Obasa was supported by 90% of the Assembly members during a Monday sitting.
Although details surrounding Obasa’s removal remain unclear, the Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was subsequently sworn in as the new and first female Speaker of the Assembly.
In an interview with PUNCH, Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, clarified that Obasa’s impeachment was strictly a legislative matter, free from interference by the state government.
Akosile emphasized the principle of separation of powers, 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.”
Following Obasa’s removal, Meranda, was sworn in as the new Speaker, making her the first female to hold the position in the Assembly’s history.
Mojeed Fatai, the Chief Whip, was elected Deputy Speaker.
The Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, was also suspended indefinitely, and all principal positions and standing committees in the Assembly were dissolved.
Obasa’s Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, did not respond to inquiries about the impeachment.
When asked if Obasa would face prosecution over the allegations, Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Akosile stated that it was up to the Assembly to decide, as they initiated the accusations.
KanyiDaily recalls that Lagos Assembly under the leadership of former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa announced it’s intention to pass new laws regarding property and business ownership in the state.