Rita Odafe
Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has responded to his impeachment, labeling the corruption claims against him as “false and without evidence.”
During a welcome gathering at his Ikeja home on Saturday, Obasa expressed that he has no fear of impeachment but stressed the importance of following proper procedures.
He accused his ousting of being planned while he was abroad and claimed the State Commissioner of Police played a role in this. Obasa stated that security forces, directed by the Police Commissioner, entered the Assembly complex and his residences in Agege and Ikeja, confining his family indoors with a large police presence.
“If I am no longer the Speaker, it’s not the end of the world. If you allege I am corrupt, show me proof,” he asserted.
He rejected claims of financial misconduct, ridiculing the assertion that a gate construction project cost N16 billion, asking, “Is it the wall of Jericho?”
Obasa continued, “I’m not concerned about being removed. This isn’t my family’s title. I represent my constituents who have elected me six times. If you plan to take action, do it properly.”
He further criticized the timing of his removal, stating it happened while he was out of the country and emphasizing the need for respect for the state’s reputation.
“In previous removals of former Speaker Jokotola Pelumi and former Deputy Speaker Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, we didn’t require police involvement,” he noted.
“They must not tarnish the reputation of an innocent person. They should substantiate their claims against me. The Lagos State House of Assembly deserves the highest standards.”
“I uphold the dignity of our institution. We must protect it, and I refuse to contribute to its downfall.”
Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards members of the Governance Advisory Council and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, referring to him as a brother.
On January 13, Obasa faced impeachment by a significant majority of the 40-member House due to alleged misconduct and other offenses. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was subsequently appointed as the new Speaker, marking her as the first female to hold that position in the South-West region.
Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, has been a member of the House since his election in 2007 and became Speaker in June 2015.
