Obasa Vows Legal Battle Over Impeachment, Questions Legitimacy

Mudashiru Obasa, the recently impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has announced plans to legally challenge his removal from office. Speaking at his GRA, Ikeja residence before a crowd of supporters, Obasa claimed that the impeachment process violated constitutional procedures.

On January 13, 2025, Obasa was removed by a significant majority of assembly members, who accused him of gross misconduct and financial impropriety. His former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, was swiftly elected as the first female Speaker in Lagos State’s history, marking a groundbreaking leadership shift.

In his first public statement since returning from an overseas trip, Obasa rejected the allegations against him and alleged that his impeachment was conducted using a “fake mace,” casting doubt on the session’s validity. He argued that constitutional rules must be followed for any removal to be legitimate, a requirement he insists was ignored.

The controversy has drawn national attention, with reports indicating that President Bola Tinubu summoned key political stakeholders to Abuja for discussions. Tinubu reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the manner of Obasa’s impeachment, underscoring the political complexities surrounding the case.

Obasa’s legal challenge will focus on the procedural compliance of the impeachment under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). Legal experts are divided. Some, such as Malachy Ugwummadu, acknowledge Obasa’s right to contest, while others argue that the assembly’s decision, backed by over two-thirds of its members, should remain valid unless overturned by the courts.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has defended its actions, maintaining that Obasa’s removal was lawful and that Meranda’s leadership has the majority’s support. They have called for calm and warned against actions that could disrupt Lagos’ political stability.