A member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Muraina Taiwo, has described the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as illegal and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa’s Impeachment and Controversy
On January 13, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly impeached Mudashiru Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency 1, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. He was immediately replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
However, Obasa has denied all corruption allegations and insists that his impeachment was not carried out through due process. Speaking at a press conference held at the Speaker’s Lodge, GRA Ikeja, last Saturday, he stated:
“My status in the House? I strongly believe I am still the Speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way, and I will not contest it.”
GAC Member Calls for Tinubu’s Intervention
Reacting to the situation, Muraina Taiwo issued a statement titled ‘My Take on the Ongoing Imbroglio at the Lagos State House of Assembly’, where he criticized the impeachment as illegal and an act of disrespect toward the party leadership.
“The act of the lawmakers is illegal. It shows total disregard and clear disrespect for leadership. The GAC leadership is split over the matter, but we will all defer to our de facto leader, the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resolve the crisis.”
Taiwo’s statement suggests that division within the GAC could further escalate political tensions in Lagos, reinforcing calls for Tinubu’s direct involvement in resolving the crisis.
Allegations of Fake Mace Used for Impeachment
In response to speculations that a fake mace was used during Obasa’s removal, the spokesperson for the House, Olukayode Ogundipe, dismissed such claims. Speaking to Punch at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, he clarified:
“I’m sure he (Obasa) is not supposed to be in charge of the mace in the first instance. The mace is in the custody of the sergeants at arms, and when it was time for us to have plenary, the usual mace was the one we used. So, where the issue of fake mace was coming from, I’m also lost. I doubt if that is genuine or not, but if he has his proof, let him also come out. He who alleges must also be ready to prove.”
What’s Next?
The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa has created significant political tension in Lagos State, dividing GAC leaders and raising concerns about party discipline and leadership disputes within the APC. With calls for Tinubu’s intervention, the outcome of this crisis could shape the future leadership structure of Lagos politics.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Tinubu’s next move and whether the decision to remove Obasa will stand or be overturned.
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