Lagos Assembly Impeaches Speaker Obasa, Swears in First Female Speaker

The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, whose controversial tenure in office has been one riddled with allegations of abuse of office and gross misconduct. 

Obasa, who has served as Speaker since 2015 represents Agege Constituency 1 and was first elected in 2007. His tenure has been marred by controversies, including a 2020 report alleging over 60 bank accounts were linked to his Bank Verification Number (BVN). The accounts reportedly opened under different names and across multiple banks, were allegedly used to divert public funds. That same year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned Obasa over allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement, which he denied.

Following Obasa’s removal, the House has sworn in Mojisola Meranda, his deputy and the representative of Apapa Constituency 1, as the new Speaker. Meranda’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Sources suggest that Obasa’s impeachment may not be unconnected to politicking around the race for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s successor.