Lawmakers Impeach Lagos Assembly Speaker Obasa Over Alleged Abuse of Office

The Lagos State House of Assembly made headlines on Monday as lawmakers impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Mojisola Miranda, representing Apapa I State Constituency, was swiftly elected as the new Speaker following the dramatic proceedings.

Obasa, who has held the position since 2015, faced accusations of financial impropriety brought forward by a self-styled anti-corruption group. These allegations have sparked widespread discussions, marking a significant shift in Lagos’ political landscape. Obasa removal underscores growing tensions within the Assembly and calls for accountability in public office.

Obasa impeachment:;Controversial Allegations of Financial Misappropriation

The impeachment was fueled by claims from the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, which accused the Assembly, under Obasa’s leadership, of reckless financial expenditures. One of the most controversial allegations was the reported spending of N17 billion on constructing a gate for the lawmakers’ building.

The group also alleged that N200 million was spent on the Assembly’s recently organized 22nd Thanksgiving service for staff. These revelations have raised questions about the ethical and financial standards upheld in the state’s legislature, with many Lagosians expressing concerns over public funds’ mismanagement.

Lawmakers Take Swift Action

In an extraordinary session on Monday, the Lagos lawmakers convened to address the allegations against Obasa. The session culminated in his impeachment, with members citing abuse of office and gross financial misconduct as the primary reasons for his removal.

The Assembly wasted no time in electing a new Speaker, with Mojisola Miranda stepping into the role to ensure continuity. Analysts believe this swift action reflects the Assembly’s intent to restore public confidence and demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption. The political implications of this development are expected to shape Lagos State’s governance dynamics in the coming months.

Ebhomele Dismisses Allegations as Baseless

Eromosele Ebhomele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Mudashiru Obasa Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has refuted allegations of financial misappropriation involving N17 billion reportedly spent on constructing a gate. Speaking on the matter, Ebhomele described the claims as both “baseless and absurd,” suggesting that the accusations were politically motivated as the 2027 elections draw closer.

“It is so funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in a whole year that we would decide to spend N17 billion on a gate? They even claimed that we expended N200 million on a thanksgiving service that did not hold,” Ebhomele stated. He highlighted that the Assembly had only recently held its thanksgiving service, which was well attended by dignitaries from across the state, further debunking claims of misappropriation.

Ebhomele emphasized that the Lagos State House of Assembly under Obasa prioritizes responsible governance and accountability. He pointed out that such allegations are not uncommon during pre-election periods, attributing them to attempts by certain individuals to tarnish the Assembly’s reputation.

Ogundipe Highlights the Assembly’s Transparency

In a separate statement, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, the spokesperson for the Lagos State House of Assembly, stressed the institution’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability. Ogundipe categorically denied claims of financial mismanagement, asserting that the Assembly does not possess the alleged funds nor engage in such projects.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not have any such funds. The Assembly does not embark on constituency projects. Instead, once every year, the House holds stakeholders’ meetings simultaneously across the state, where constituents share their expectations and make requests for the betterment of the state,” Ogundipe explained.

He urged the anti-corruption group that raised the allegations to conduct comprehensive investigations before making unsubstantiated claims that could damage the Assembly’s reputation. Ogundipe further clarified that lawmakers were neither aware of nor involved in any financial irregularities, reinforcing the Assembly’s dedication to upholding its legislative duties with the utmost responsibility.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has maintained that it operates within the framework of fiscal discipline and public accountability, dismissing the allegations as a smear campaign aimed at undermining its credibility.