Kehinde Fajobi
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State has expressed conflicting views regarding the impeachment of former Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
The GAC, the state’s apex advisory organ, is grappling with internal discord as members debate the circumstances of the removal.
Senator Anthony Adefuye, a GAC member, described Obasa’s impeachment as illegal, asserting, “What he is saying is that he was illegally removed, and the procedure was faulty, and I agree with him.”
However, former Defence Minister Senator Musiliu Obanikoro criticised Adefuye’s remarks, calling them careless.
He stated, “The statement of Senator Adefuye on the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is very unfortunate, childish, and inconsequential.
“Since GAC as a unit has not made any pronouncement on the subject matter, it is irresponsible of any member of that privileged body to go public and make comments on an issue that is as sensitive as that.”
Meanwhile, GAC Secretary Mutiu Are called for calm, urging resolution through dialogue.
“Whatever is currently going on in Lagos politics is a family affair. As an elder, I’m not supposed to take sides. We would resolve everything because the GAC, being the apex advisory organ, has its mechanism for resolving matters like this,” he said.
Obasa’s impeachment has also drawn reactions from other groups.
The Assembly of Lagos Youths, represented by Lasisi Robert, declared, “Mudashiru Obasa stands impeached, and no going back. He is no longer the Speaker of Lagos State. He has never represented the interests of Lagos well.”
A socio-political group, Lovers of Lagos, called for Obasa’s arrest for allegedly occupying the official Speaker’s residence after his removal.
Secretary-General Yinka Olatunji labelled Obasa’s return to the residence as a “show of shame,” saying, “It is expected for him to vacate the official residence.”
The group urged the Lagos State Government and the police to address the situation swiftly, warning of potential chaos.
“The police have been urged to intervene quickly to avoid any potential chaos, and the new Assembly leadership is expected to take a firm stand against any unlawful actions,” the statement added.
Obasa’s impeachment, backed by 32 lawmakers, was finalised on January 13, 2025, despite his efforts to appeal the decision in Abuja. As political tensions continue to rise, the situation in Lagos remains uncertain.