- Lawmakers Cite Misconduct, Financial Irregularities for Removal
- Assembly Dissolves Committees, Suspends Clerk Onafeko
Lagos Assembly Elects First Female Speaker After Impeaching Obasa Over Misconduct
Amidst widespread jubilation, the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, impeached its long-standing Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over allegations of financial misappropriation and misconduct.
In a historic move, the Assembly elected Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, as the new Speaker. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos Assembly.
During the session, the Assembly also removed the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, and dissolved all standing committees. Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun was appointed acting Clerk of the House.
In her brief remarks after taking the oath of office at 9 a.m., an elated Meranda expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her but deferred unveiling her agenda to a later date, stating, “I will not be able to talk now.”
Security Tightened Amid Obasa’s Removal
Following Obasa’s impeachment, armed security personnel, including members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Taskforce, and Lagos Police Command, cordoned off the Assembly complex. Security operatives restricted access to the premises, arresting several individuals attempting to breach the building. Items such as charms and amulets were confiscated from suspects reportedly aligned with Obasa’s Agege constituency.
Details of Impeachment
The motion for Obasa’s impeachment was raised under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Femi Saheed, citing Section 92(2)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution. The former Speaker was accused of gross misconduct, high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and authoritarian leadership.
Key allegations included persistent lateness to sessions, incitement of division among lawmakers, abuse of office, and intimidation of members. Saheed asserted that Obasa’s leadership style had become undemocratic and damaging to the Assembly’s integrity.
The impeachment was passed with overwhelming support as 32 of the 40 members voted in favor through a voice vote. The lawmakers subsequently elected Meranda as Speaker and Fatai Mojeed as Deputy Speaker.
Lawmakers Explain Decision
Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency I, explained the rationale for the impeachment during a press briefing. He stated, “This was a unanimous decision to safeguard the Assembly’s reputation and Lagos State’s interests. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.”
Tobun added that all committees and principal positions in the Assembly had been dissolved, and members were committed to a united front under the new leadership.
About the New Speaker
Born into the prestigious Ojora royal family, Mojisola Meranda hails from a lineage that includes prominent Lagos monarchs. She completed her education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School and Randle Primary School before attending Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School in Surulere.
Meranda’s election as Speaker marks a new era for the Lagos State House of Assembly, with lawmakers expressing optimism about her ability to deliver effective leadership and foster progress in the state.
