Kehinde Fajobi
Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has refuted the corruption accusations that led to his removal, labelling them as “baseless and without merit.”
During a reception at his home in Joel Ogunnaike, Ikeja, on Saturday, Obasa expressed his confidence in facing impeachment but stressed the need for adherence to legal procedures.
“If I’m no longer Speaker, it’s not the end of my world. If you allege corruption, you must provide evidence,” he remarked.
He accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police of facilitating the impeachment process while he was out of the country.
Obasa alleged that security operatives, directed by the commissioner, stormed both his Assembly office and homes in Agege and Ikeja, confining his family and deploying over 200 officers.
Challenging allegations of financial misconduct, he ridiculed claims of excessive spending. “Is this the wall of Jericho?” he quipped in reference to purported inflated construction costs.
Obasa also highlighted inconsistencies in the impeachment process, contrasting it with past removals of Assembly leaders.
“When Jokotola Pelumi, a former speaker, was removed, the process happened in his presence without involving the police.
“Similarly, when Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, a former deputy speaker, was removed, there was no police intervention,” he argued.
Underscoring his dedication to the Assembly’s values, he stated, “The Lagos State House of Assembly represents excellence. I will never contribute to its destruction.”
He extended gratitude to members of the Governance Advisory Council and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, acknowledging their roles during the situation.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has always called me his younger brother, and I appreciate his support,” he noted.
Obasa’s impeachment, executed on January 13, saw over two-thirds of the 40-member legislature vote against him on charges of misconduct.
His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was promptly sworn in as the new Speaker, marking her as the first woman to hold the position in Lagos State.
Representing Agege Constituency I, Obasa first joined the Assembly in 2007 and served as Speaker from June 2015 until his removal.