The political conflict within the Lagos State House of Assembly grew worse after former Deputy Majority Leader Olumuyiwa Jimoh demanded disciplinary repercussions for recently ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Legislators decided to relieve Obasa from position but he continues to claim he retains his post from an episode last month.
On Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, Jimoh criticized Obama’s refusal to step down by pointing out;
“He claims to remain the speaker though he must know suspension is required by law.” The legislative leader should have received immediate suspension because of his actions. It is an impersonation.”
According to the previous deputy leader “How can someone maintain valid speaker status? His suspension order will result from this action. The speaker clearly understands all the implications involved since his tenure at the house approaches two decades. The house would see a suspension order from me if I were present.
On January 13, 2025, a two-thirds majority from the 40 members in the legislative house successfully initiated the removal of Obasa from his position as Speaker because they stated their belief that he had breached governing practices and multiple statutory offences. Mojisola Meranda became the first female Speaker of any South-West state Assembly through a historic Assembly vote that replaced Obasa.
As Speaker since June 2015 and Agege Constituency I representative since 2007 Obasa disputed the authorization behind his removal. He made his case as the proper presiding officer by saying he would continue as Speaker until responsibility rose to its proper level. Excluding Nigeria during his time away Obasa criticized security forces stationed outside the assembly complex while asserting that his ouster took place.
During the impeachment meeting, Jimoh dismissed Obasa’s claim of being absent which lacked evidence for his removal as speaker. The former lawmaker clarified that the physical presence of a speaker is not mandatory for removal according to assembly rules.
The division between members of Lagos State’s legislative institution displays mounting tensions which challenge both democratic proceedings and institutional stability. The controversy of Obasa’s removal combined with his post-claim challenge represents a substantial threat to the ordinary operations and structural governance of Nigeria’s economic capital.
People continue to watch how the assembly plans to resolve the ongoing constitutional crisis together with maintaining their legislative powers amidst speakership challenges.
