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Tag: Mudashiru Obasa

  • Obasa’s suit challenging impeachment adjourned till March 17

    Obasa’s suit challenging impeachment adjourned till March 17

    Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of an Ikeja High Court yesterday adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, till March 17.

    Justice Pinheiro fixed the new date following submissions of lawyers representing parties in the matter.

    Obasa is challenging the allegations that led to his initial removal as the Speaker.

    The allegations include fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office and gross misconduct.

    The respondents in the suit are members of the House of Assembly and former Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

    During resumed proceedings, lead counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that the claimant’s lead counsel, Mr. Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), yesterday morning served them further affidavits.

    “The claimant’s counsel served us further affidavits today, challenging my clients to have reaction,” Falana told the court.

    Meranda’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), informed the court that the further processes Falana referred to entailed serious fraud allegations against his client.

    “We shall be asking for an adjournment to respond to the new application,” Oyetibo said.

    Olusola Idowu (SAN) announced appearance as an incoming counsel, representing the House of Assembly in the case, following which Falana prayed the court to hear application on the change of counsel.

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    Falana argued that the Court of Appeal decision had mandated a trial court to hear application for change of counsel before other applications were entertained.

    Responding, Justice Pinheiro said hearing of all applications and processes before the court would be taken at once.

    The judge therefore ordered all parties to file, serve and exchange their processes before the next adjourned date, stressing that all applications would be taken at once.

    “All applications including those seeking injunction and those challenging jurisdiction will be heard on March 17.

    “The application concerning the change of counsel will also be heard at the same time on Monday.and counter,” she said.

    Justice Pinheiro therefore adjourned the case till March 17 for the hearing of the applications filed by the parties.

  • What you probably didn’t know about Mudashiru Obasa

    What you probably didn’t know about Mudashiru Obasa

    When the news of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa’s return as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly broke on Monday March 3, it sent shockwaves through the political landscape.

    His removal from the speakership position on January 13 attracted flurry of reactions and also sparked crisis in the Lagos Assembly.

    Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, as the new Speaker.

    He rejected his removal as unconstitutional. He filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal.

    Over the years, Obasa has cultivated a strong reputation, commanding respect and fear alike.

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    Obasa was born on 11 November 1972. He had his primary education at St Thomas Acquinas Primary School, Surulere, Lagos.

    He then attended Archbishop Aggey Memorial Secondary school, Mushin, Ilasamaja, Lagos where he obtained the West Africa School Certificate.

    He received a bachelor’s degree in law from Lagos State University, Lagos in the year 2006.

    His political career took off when he became a councilor in Agege Local Government under the Alliance for Democracy in 1999. He served in this role until 2002.

    Obasa secured a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003, representing Agege Constituency I. He became a member of the Assembly in 2003 and had since then enjoyed re-election and served as member of numerous committees including Committee on Lands and Housing and Physical Planning.

    At different times, he served as Chairman of Committee on Rural Development, House Committee on Public Account for Local Government for six years and Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning.

    He went on to win re-elections in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Lagos State politics.

    Obasa has served as a lawmaker under four different state governors (Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu) and was Speaker during the tenure of the last two.

    In July 2023, Obasa was presented with an honorary citizenship of the state of Georgia at the Georgia Legislative Black Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, for his “service to the state of Georgia” and Nigeria.

    From his days at SDP and UNCP to now being a member of the APC, Obasa can be described as an experienced grassroots politici

  • We reject Obasa in totality – Lagos lawmakers

    We reject Obasa in totality – Lagos lawmakers

    Thirty-six members of the Lagos State House of Assembly loyal to Mojisola Meranda on Thursday reaffirmed that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker was final, declaring Meranda as the legitimate leader of the House.

    The lawmakers convened at the Assembly garden, maintaining their stance based on their February 17 vote of confidence in Meranda, despite Obasa’s return.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, condemned the ongoing situation and called for calm.

    He said: “This is Lagos, the State House of Assembly. We’re shocked to see what’s happening here today.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Controversy over Obasa’s reinstatement as Lagos speaker 

    “We expect our leaders, who earlier told us to remain calm, to come and address us and tell us where we went wrong or what really went wrong.

    “We won’t take laws into our hands, but we belong to different constituencies and we have our mandates.

    “Whatever is going to happen, the leadership should speak with us and not this charade we’re witnessing.

    “We are humiliated by this action. I was stopped at the gate from entering the assembly chamber. This is an embarrassment, and it must stop.

    “We are not against the leadership’s decisions, but they should call us and tell us instead of hearing rumours. They’re our leaders, we’ll still stand and obey their decisions.

    “We reject Obasa in totality,” he declared.

    The lawmakers also chorused, “We reject Obasa in totality.”

  • Obasa’s removal legal, lawmakers insist

    Obasa’s removal legal, lawmakers insist

    Members of Lagos State House of Assembly have insisted that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker is legal.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding constitutional governance and legislative duties that served the interests of Lagosians.

    The lawmakers said this when they honoured an invitation from the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos.

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    In a statement signed by Ogundipe Okukayode, on behalf of the legislators, the assembly insisted that the decision to remove Obasa was made in accordance with the 1999 Constitution and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empowered the assembly to regulate its internal proceedings without external interference.

  • Obasa absent as new Lagos Assembly Speaker moves into office

    Obasa absent as new Lagos Assembly Speaker moves into office

    Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday witnessed a significant shift in leadership, as the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, officially moved into the speaker’s office amidst members’ support.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Meranda was accompanied by members of the assembly to the complex in a show of solidarity and support.

    NAN also reports that this development followed the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Jan. 13, even though he had, on Saturday, described his removal as unconstitutional and laid claim to the office.

    However, in spite of his insistence on being the speaker, Obasa was conspicuously absent from the assembly on Monday, amidst tight security to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

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    NAN reports that Meranda’s assumption of office witnessed a warm reception from her colleagues who had since accepted her leadership and rallied round her.

    Members were seen following the speaker to her office, signaling a collective endorsement of the new leadership.

    The absence of Obasa, who had promised to resume duties on Monday, has raised questions about his next step.

    NAN reports that the atmosphere at the assembly complex on Monday reflected the lawmakers’ readiness to help pull through Meranda’s resolve to maintain stability and uphold legislative duties after the change of leadership.

    Members were seen taking pictures with the speaker, while the acting Clerk equally joined in the celebrations.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Don’t heat up polity, Lagos Assembly warns Obasa

    Don’t heat up polity, Lagos Assembly warns Obasa

    Members of the Lagos Assembly have cautioned impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa against heating up the polity with his claim to a seat from which he was removed by majority lawmakers.

    A statement by the House signed by the lawmaker representing Oshodi State Constituency I, Ogundipe Olukayode, said majority of the members stand by the decision of January 13, when they impeached Obasa and elected Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as replacement.

    According to Ogundipe, the same majority that elected Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly last year removed him on January 13.

    The statement reads: “It is imperative to clarify that over 2/3 of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, therefore we stood by the decision taken on the 13th of January where Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was impeached and we shall defend our positions to the latter.
    “As elected representative of the people of Lagos, we owe them good governance and harmonious relationship with other arms of government.

    Read Also: Your impeachment followed due process, Lagos lawmakers reply Obasa

    “The position of the House remains the same and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former Speaker, Rt Hon Obasa is uncalled for and unparliamentary.

    “The majority of members elected Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker for the 10th Assembly and we also at the said Plenary took majority decision to remove him and stand by the new Speaker so, nothing has changed.

    “All members were elected from their various constituencies across the state and we all have the inalienable rights under the necessary Statutory orders to remove their Principal officers, including the Speaker.

    “I therefore , appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent posture will heat up the polity and not augur well.
    “Any attempt to heat up the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt Hon Meranda.
    Peace we want in Lagos and Peace we will achieve.”

  • Your impeachment followed due process, Lagos lawmakers reply Obasa

    Your impeachment followed due process, Lagos lawmakers reply Obasa

    Lagos lawmakers have replied former Speaker  Mudashiru Obasa, stating his Impeachment followed due process.

     Chairman, Committee of Information, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe Okukayode, in a statement on behalf of the lawmakers, reaffirmed support  for the new Speaker Hon.Lasbat  Mojisola Meranda.

    Ogundipe said: “The position of the House remains the same and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former  Speaker, Rt Hon Obasa is  uncalled for and unparliamentary. 

    “The majority of members elected Rt. Hon Mudashiru  Obasa as Speaker for the 10th Assembly and we also at the said Plenary took majority  decision  to remove him and stand  by the new Speaker so, nothing has changed.  

    “All members were elected from their  various  constituencies across the state and we  all have the inalienable rights under the necessary Statutory orders to remove their Principal officers, including the Speaker.  

    “I therefore , appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent  posture will heat up the polity and not augur well. Any attempt to heat up the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt Hon Meranda. 

    Peace we want in Lagos and Peace we will achieve.”

    Obasa who returned from.the U.S  to a crowd of his supporters at the Speaker’s lodge in GRA, Ikeja on Saturday morning, maintained that he remains Speaker  until the right thing is done.

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    He said: ” I am not disturbed, perturbed or afraid. I am not against removal of Speaker. What I am against is to follow the rules. They should follow due process. You cannot impeach a Speaker. I remain Speaker until the right thing is done.

    “On the day of my removal, the police were at the Assembly. What were they doing there? They blocked my residence in Agege and here in GRA. When they removed my sister, Hon. Pelumi and Hon. Tejuosho it was done peacefully in the house. There was no involvement  of the police   I am not fighting anybody. I am not against anybody. I came here to thank you all for all your support.”

    He also denied reported financial misappropriation cited by the lawmakers for his removal. 

    Obasa said: ‘Is it possible to construct a gate with N16b when it is not American, Mexico wall?

    Is it possible to buy a Hilux vehicle at N1b each? 

    “There are 40 members in the house but for security reasons we bought like 45 Hilux vehicles and they said we bought one for N1b. Is it Rolls Royce?

    “I am going to debunk every allegation against my person and I will do it live and direct . I am the longest serving member of the Lagos House of Assembly and no one has surpassed my history. I respect all members of the House because I spent the better part of my life in there.”

  • JUST IN: Obasa’s supporters storm Ikeja lodge, plan grand welcome

    JUST IN: Obasa’s supporters storm Ikeja lodge, plan grand welcome

    Supporters of impeached Lagos Speaker of Mudashiru Obasa, gathered on Saturday morning at his Lodge on Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

    Clad in pro-Obasa vests and caps, the supporters arrived in large numbers to show their solidarity.  

    The Nation reported that Obasa was removed from his position and replaced by Mojisola Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker has since overseen two legislative sittings in his absence.

    The former Speaker was reportedly out of the country at the time of his impeachment.

    Details shortly…

  • Obasa: I didn’t spend N17b on Assembly gate

    Obasa: I didn’t spend N17b on Assembly gate

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, yesterday described the allegation that the House spent N17 billion on the fixing of a gate as spurious and funny.

    A group, Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, had accused the Assembly of spending the amount to construct a gate. The group also sought investigation of the claim.

    Speaking at plenary, Obasa said the allegation stemmed from the fear of some people over 2027 which is still more than two years away.

    He further debunked the claim that the House spent N200 million on its recently organised 22nd thanksgiving service for staff.

    Obasa said: “It is so funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in the whole year that we will decide to spend N17 billion on a gate? They even claimed that we expended 200 million on thanksgiving that did not hold.

    Read Also: Obasa denies N17b gate project allegation

    “We are aware that at a period like this when we are approaching elections in 2027, we should expect such things. I think some people are scared and I don’t know why.

    “This House did not and has not embarked on any such project. We are not that reckless. We had our thanksgiving last Friday and dignitaries from various parts of the State attended it,” the Speaker said.

    On the alleged relationship between him and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Speaker denied attending the latter’s screening and confirmation by the National Assembly.

    He added: “They said that I was at the National Assembly when they were confirming the EFCC chairman. I want to believe that there are CCTV cameras at the National Assembly to identify those who attended the event. The press must have written about it too. So the group should do more to confirm if I was there.

    “This is just to deny the allegations in the interest of the public and not the writers because the writers are not those we should be joining words with.”

    The House, through its spokesperson,  Stephen Ogundipe, also spoke on the allegations, noting that the Assembly bases its activities on integrity, transparency and accountability.

    He said: “It is ludicrous the claim about constituency intervention funds and constituency project funds and their handling by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko as claimed by the group.

    “One would have expected a self-acclaimed anti-corruption crusading group to do its groundwork before jumping across the fence with conviction that it hit a jackpot to malign an institution of repute in the name of politics.”

    Ogundipe added: “Simply put, the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have any such funds. The Assembly does not embark on constituency projects. Instead, once every year, the House holds stakeholders’ meetings simultaneously across the state where constituents have the opportunity to tell the lawmakers their expectations and make requests for the betterment of the state.

    “These requests and expectations are compiled and sent to the executive arm of government for consideration as inputs in subsequent budgets.

    “If this is what the group takes as constituency intervention or project funds, we are sure this explanation has given the required education, moreover, it is common knowledge that it is the responsibility of the Executive arm to execute such projects.”

  • Obasa denies N17b gate project allegation

    Obasa denies N17b gate project allegation

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa yesterday denied allegations of spending N17 billion on the assembly gate, calling it “spurious and funny.”

    He also debunked claims of spending N200 million on a thanksgiving service that didn’t hold.

    A group, Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, had accused the assembly of spending the amount to construct a gate.

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    It sought investigation of the claim.

    Speaking at plenary, Obasa attributed the allegations to fear-mongering ahead of the 2027 general election.

    He said assembly’s activities were guided by integrity, transparency and accountability.