The immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that his impeachment did not follow due process and has vowed to challenge the decision in court.
Speaking to a gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) members from the Mandate Group at his official residence in Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa described the election of Mrs. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker as unlawful, alleging the use of a fake mace and the presence of hundreds of policemen to intimidate his loyalists.
“The Lagos State Commissioner of Police led officers to invade the State Assembly on the day of the removal, while over 200 policemen blocked my private residence in Agege, preventing my family from leaving,” Obasa alleged.
He maintained that he remains the Speaker until the House follows proper procedures for his removal. "I have served as a member of the House for 22 years and Speaker for almost 10 years. If they don’t want me anymore, it’s fine, but due process must be followed."
Obasa dismissed allegations of financial impropriety, including claims of spending ₦16 billion to construct a gate at the Assembly complex and purchasing 40 Hilux vans for ₦40 billion. He labeled the accusations as baseless.
The former Speaker expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Governance Advisory Council for their support and guidance.
The Lagos State House of Assembly, comprising 32 out of 40 members, impeached Obasa on January 13 over allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety. Mrs. Mojisola Meranda was immediately sworn in as the new Speaker.
Obasa, however, remains defiant, promising to resume as Speaker and uphold the integrity of the Assembly.
