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  • Obasa joins league of sacked House of Assembly Speakers

    Obasa joins league of sacked House of Assembly Speakers

    The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday sacked Mudashiru Obasa as its speaker.

    He was impeached by his fellow lawmakers for alleged abuse of office and gross misconduct.

    The lawmakers also selected Mojisola Miranda, the Deputy Speaker, as the new speaker.

    Also, Fatai Mojeed, the Deputy Chief Whip, was elected as the new Deputy Speaker.

    The ousted lawmaker has been the Speaker of the House since 2015.

    Obasa, a grass root politician, who has been contesting elections and won since the commencement of the Fourth Republic, has increased the number of speakers who have been impeached in Nigeria since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.

    Obasa’s removal in Lagos state makes it 20 states that have experienced termination of tenure of their speakers.

    However, four out of the 20 states have had to change the head of their lawmakers twice. They include Edo, Ekiti, Kebbi and Ondo states.

    Below are the states and the ex-speakers of states’ houses of assembly.

    Abia State

    Chinedum Orji was removed in May 2023 after 18 of the 24 members signed for his impeachment

    Anambra

     The impeachment hammer fell on Hon. Rita Maduagwu Impeached in November 2018, as by 22 out of 30 members of the state assembly affected her removal.

    Bayelsa

    Emmanuel Tonye Isenah was impeached in September 2019 following a series of gunshots in the Assembly complex.

    Benue

    Terkimbi Ikyange, now Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in the state, was removed in 2018. Titus Uba was elected as new speaker following a vote of no confidence.

    Read Also: How Fed Govt plans to raise N36.35tr revenue, by Bagudu

    Borno

    Goni Ali Modu swallowed the impeachment pills in February 2012 for alleged submissiveness to the state government.

    Delta

    Monday Igbuya was removed in May 2017 following a vote of no confidence by 22 lawmakers. He was succeeded by Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent governor.

    Ebonyi

    Chukwuma Nwazunku was Impeached in July 2014 by over two-thirds majority on grounds of incompetence and misappropriation of public funds.

    Edo

    Victor Edoro was removed in 2016 by 16 of the 24 members for alleged high-handedness and financial recklessness. He was succeeded by Elizabeth Ativie, the Assembly’s first female speaker.

    Also, the House impeached Frank Okiye in October 2020. Marcus Onobun was elected as replacement.

    Ekiti

    Kola Oluwawole suffered impeachment in October 2018 along with his deputy, Sina Animaun.  They were removed by 14 members of the House.

    In 2022, Gboyega Aribisogan was also removed as the Speaker of the House by 17 out of 25 members.

    Gombe

    Abubakar Ibrahim was impeached in November 2020. Abubakar Luggerewo emerged as the new speaker.

    Imo

    Paul Emeziem: Impeached in 2021 by 19 out of 27 members; replaced by Kennedy Ibeh.

    Jigawa

    Idris Garba was removed in January 2017 over allegations of high-handedness and abuse of power. He was however re-elected as speaker in May 2019 after the removal of Isa Idris.

    Kano

    Yusuf Falgore suffered impeachment in December 2011. Gambo Sallau was elected as replacement.

    Similarly, Abdullahi Atta was removed in July 2018 by 27 lawmakers citing incompetence and corruption.

    Katsina

    Aliyu Sabiu Muduru was ousted in 2017 by 23 out of 34 members who endorsed a vote of no confidence.

    Kebbi

    Hassan Shalla was impeached in 2015 by 12 out of 24 members for alleged breach of trust and embezzlement.

    Isma’il Kamb was also removed in 2021 along with his deputy, Muhammadu Aliyu, after endorsement by 20 out of 24 members.

    Niger

    Adamu Usman was impeached in May 2015 by 18 out of 27 members. He was replaced by Isa Kawu.

    Ogun

    Olakunle Oluomo was impeached in January 2024 by 18 out of 26 members during a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Bolanle Ajayi.

    Ondo

    Hon. Jumoke Akindele, first female speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and her deputy, Hon. Fatai Olotu were sent packing in 2016.  But, following Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s intervention, reinstated. However, less than a month to the end of her tenure, her colleagues in the assembly still wielded the big stick and abruptly ended her speakership.

    In November 2018, Hon. Bamidele Oloyelogun, alongside his deputy, Oladeji Iroju, was impeached by 18 out of 26 members on grounds of gross misconduct.

    Plateau

    Abok Ayuba was ousted in October 2021 by 16 out of 24 members after prolonged rivalry with the former governor, Simon Lalong.

    Taraba

    17 out of 24 members of the House impeached Istifanus Gbana in 2013. He was replaced by Haruna Tsokwa.

    Josiah Sabo Kente was allegedly ‘Forced’ to resign in 2014.

  • Why Lagos Speaker Obasa was removed

    Why Lagos Speaker Obasa was removed

    • Princess Meranda takes over
    • Tight security around Assembly

    In a dramatic turn of events, the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over alleged gross misconduct.

    His removal while he was in the United States followed allegations of misappropriation of funds, high-handedness and lack of transparency in the management of the Assembly’s affairs.

    The impeachment sparked jubilation among lawmakers.

    Obasa, in his third term as Speaker since 2015, represents Agege Constituency I.

    Femi Saheed, who represents Kosofe Constituency II, moved the motion for the impeachment.

    Citing Section 92(2) (C) of the 1999 Constitution, Saheed accused Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership.

    He accused the Speaker of perpetual lateness, high-handedness, and intimidation of members.

    The impeachment motion was seconded by Aro Moshood Abiodun (Ikorodu II).

    Thirty-two of the 40-member House affirmed the impeachment through a voice vote.

    Following Obasa’s impeachment, his deputy, Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was elected the new Speaker.

    She made history as the first female to occupy the office.

    Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju-Lekki I) was elected the Deputy Speaker.

    Amid the charged atmosphere, the House suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, and replaced him with Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun in acting capacity.

    The impeachment, which happened in the early hours, saw the Assembly premises cordoned off by police.

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    A heavy presence of security operatives was visible both within and outside the premises.

    A group of protesters from Obasa’s constituency stormed the Assembly, but were rounded up and detained inside a Black Maria from where they sang “On your mandate, we shall stand” while begging for water.

    The Speaker’s photographs at different locations inside the Assembly were removed.

    Assembly workers were seen beaming with smiles as the events unfolded.

    Obasa’s removal long overdue, says Oki

    A chieftain of the APC in Lagos, Fuad Oki, said Obasa’s removal was long overdue.

    Speaking on Channels, he said Obasa rebuffed several attempts by the party leadership to resolve issues.

    He dismissed insinuations that the former speaker was removed over his governorship ambition.

    He said: “I think Obasa’s removal was coming late. For any discerning mind, events in the last three months indicated that Obasa’s days were numbered.

    “In the last 18 months, there have been signs.

    “Don’t forget the event that happened on the day Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

    “Not only was the governor kept waiting for over four hours, but all the leadership of the party and all dignitaries who went to witness the epoch event were kept waiting for over five hours without apologies.

    “And when Obasa came into the Chambers, he did not extend any courtesies; rather, he presented himself as the emperor.

    “That showed clearly that his days were numbered.

    “Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came for his holiday, there had been a series of meetings to resolve grey areas.

    “In fact, there was a particular meeting that involved the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the governor, the ousted Speaker and some other political leaders.

    “It is not good to have a political office holder whose ways cannot be checked and corrected.”

    Obasa’s ‘sins’

    Obasa was accused of financial irregularities, which included a N44billion allocated for vehicles.

    There was also the allegation of N15.6billion allocated for office construction, amid claims that existing facilities were functional.

    Sometime in October 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogated Obasa for owning over 60 bank accounts.

    He was also accused of awarding contracts to himself, using different fronts and spending N80 million as allowance during the training of wives of 20 lawmakers in Dubai.

    His removal came barely a month after he was accused by a group, Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, of spending N17 billion to construct a gate that leads to the Assembly complex and N200 million on a thanksgiving service.

    In 2023, the Assembly faced a backlash after rejecting 17 out of 39 commissioner-nominees.

    Obasa had denied any rift with the governor, with the GAC – the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos – intervening.

    Obasa also got into trouble over the contentious 2024 Lagos State Local Council Administration law.

    The bill sought to replace the existing 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created in 2003 with democratically elected local governments, recognising only 20 LGAs as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.

    ‘House pledges to work with Executive’

    The new leadership has pledged a harmonious relationship with the executive arm of government.

    House Committee on Information Chairman Mr Stephen Ogundipe (APC- Oshodi/Isolo I) said under the new Speaker, the Assembly would ensure the executive arm enjoys the support of the legislature.

    The lawmaker said a good relationship between the executive and legislature was necessary to achieve the development goals of the current administration in the state.

    Ogundipe said: “There is no division in the House over the development.

    “All members have pledged allegiance to the new Speaker, Mrs  Mojisola Meranda, and she has since settled down in office.

    “She has assured of legislature’s  harmonious working relationship with the executive and that all hands must be on deck to ensure the continued  development  of  the state.”

  • BREAKING: Lagos lawmakers impeach Obasa as Speaker

    BREAKING: Lagos lawmakers impeach Obasa as Speaker

    Lagos lawmakers have impeached Mudasiru Obasa as Speaker. 

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    He was impeached on Monday during plenary. 

    Details shortly…

  • Agege traditional rulers petition Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, AIG, over land dispute

    Agege traditional rulers petition Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, AIG, over land dispute

    Traditional rulers and religious leaders in the Agege community of Lagos State have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the AIG Zone 2 Command, the State Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to intervene in a contentious land dispute in the community.

    The land dispute at 47 old Ogba road,  involves the Agege local government and a former deputy speaker of the Ogun state House of Assembly, Edwards Ayo-Odugbesan, and his wife.

    In separate petitions jointly signed by community leaders, including the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Isiba; the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Lateef Egbeyemi; the first Executive Chairman of Agege LGA, Chief Owolabi Dada; and the Chief Imam of Agege Central Mosque, among others, the leaders urged authorities to investigate the couple’s claim to the disputed land and ensure justice prevails.

    The petition, dated December 3, 2024, claimed that the land in question is part of the council’s survey plan, which extends beyond the demolished MKO Abiola Market in Agege. 

    Recall that Ayo-Odugbesan had previously has asked an Ikeja High Court to restrain Agege local government, others from interfering with or disturbing their peaceable possession of their property situated at No. 47, old Ogba road, near M.K.O Abiola Market, Agege, Lagos.

    He also asked the court to restrain the respondents from further demolishing their property.

    While acknowledging the couple’s right to seek legal redress over the land, the leaders strongly condemned the alleged use of harassment, blackmail, and intimidation tactics against council officials.

    They warned that such actions could provoke unrest in Agege.

    The Agege leaders, however, urged law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies and other security agencies to avoid being used to harass council officials who are performing their duties. 

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to hand over 250 patrol vehicles to Police

    The petition partly reads:

    “We are aware that the couple has dragged the council to court on the matter. While we welcome that, the harassment of council officials, particularly the Chairman of Agege local government, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, by security agents is unwarranted and capable of escalating into full-scale trouble, violence, and destruction of lives and property.

    “The false intelligence being spread about the council chairman, his wife, and their children is equally troubling. We humbly request a thorough investigation of the title documents presented by both parties to ascertain the rightful owner of the disputed land. We also urge the relevant authorities to caution security officers to stop harassment of council officials.”

    In a separate petition to the General Overseer of the RCCG, the leaders urged the General Overseer of Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adeboye and the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to intervene in the matter. 

  • Lagos lawmaker Bonu applauds Sanwo-Olu, Obasa for supporting Badagry

    Lagos lawmaker Bonu applauds Sanwo-Olu, Obasa for supporting Badagry

    The lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bonu Saanu, has expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for their unwavering support toward the development of the historical town.

    Hon. Saanu’s remarks followed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s recent comments during his tour of Badagry, where he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that no part of Lagos is left underdeveloped.

    Speaking on the town’s significance, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “Badagry is experiencing the fulfilment of my promise to develop all parts of Lagos. 

    “Today’s tour of the historic city was a journey through our rich heritage. We’re committed to showcasing Badagry not just as a key part of Lagos’ history but as a beacon of tourism in Nigeria.”

    During the visit, the governor highlighted the restoration of sites such as the Slave Market Museum International Vlekete and the Badagry Heritage Museum, emphasizing their importance in preserving the town’s rich history. 

    He also noted the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, including roads and public facilities, to boost tourism and economic development.

    “From the Point of No Return to the first-storey building in Nigeria, Badagry is a treasure trove of history. Together, we’re working to make Badagry a world-class tourist destination, enriching our economy and preserving our culture,” Sanwo-Olu added.

    Hon. Saanu acknowledged Badagry’s historical importance to Africa and Lagos State, expressing optimism about the ongoing developmental strides in the area.

    Saanu said: “It was a transatlantic route for the export of enslaved Africans to Europe and the Americas.”

    “In the 18th century, Abass Ifaremilekun Fagbemi, a native of the region, was captured by a Dahomean slave trader during one of the conflicts between Dahomey and the Egba, then taken to Brazil and sold as a servant. 

    “After gaining his freedom, he returned to Nigeria as a business partner of his former master and settled in Badagry.

    In the early 1840s, he built and managed a barracks containing 40 slave cells. 

    “This historic place, now a museum,

    comprises 40 cells where enslaved individuals were locked up and sold. Other monuments include the Mobee Slave Relics Museum, the Badagry Heritage Museum, the Vlekete Slave

    Market and Shrine, as well as the Slave Port and Route and the Tomb of George Freemingo.

    “This makes Nigeria one of the ten UNESCO member states proposed place to an international scientific committee in charge of supervising the network.

    “One of our heritage that we cherish most, after we talk about is our value for culture.

    “This is no doubt, Badagry has remained the biggest face of historical in the world up till date. 

    “Our art and culture is topnotch, this makes Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reconfirm it in one of his speech recently on his work visit to Badagry,” he said.

  • Obasa: I’ve not thought about 2027

    Obasa: I’ve not thought about 2027

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa yesterday said he had not given a serious thought about becoming the next governor, contrary to speculations.

    Dr. Obasa said his major concern was to strengthen the party in the state, adding that he would continue to be active.

    He said his involvement in mobilising for the party had been misconstrued by ‘political detractors’ to mean that he was chasing a governorship ambition.

    Read Also:JUST IN: Obasa dismisses governorship rumours as Sanwo-Olu presents 2025 budget

    He spoke after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the 2025 budget of N3,005,935,198,401.

    A vote of confidence was passed in the Speaker by the lawmakers present at plenary.

  • Lagos Assembly passes vote of confidence in Obasa

    Lagos Assembly passes vote of confidence in Obasa

    • Speaker turns 52

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, saying they remain satisfied with his leadership of the House.

    The vote of confidence coincided with his 52nd birthday as the lawmakers eulogised him for uplifting the country’s democracy through laws that impact positively on the people.

    “I rise this afternoon to move a motion that a vote of confidence be passed on the Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa to continue the good work that he has always done, especially in this 10th Assembly.

    “It is good to note that every decision the Speaker has taken in the House has been with the full consent of his fellow lawmakers. He consults the members and gets their opinions,” Majorit Leader Noheem Adams raised during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

    Hon. Adams said his motion, seconded by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I), followed a wide consultation.

    Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, while supporting the motion, added: “We have absolute confidence in his leadership and there is no better way to show this than to pass a vote of confidence on the Speaker.”

    Read Also: EFCC clears Goje’s daughter for alleged naira abuse invites Nigerien bridegroom

    As part of the birthday celebration, the lawmakers praised the Speaker for his influential leadership.

    “I celebrate my Speaker and note his impactful leadership. On behalf of my constituents in Eti-Osa, I wish him a happy birthday,” Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) said.

    On his part, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya commended Dr. Obasa for his loyalty to whatever he believes in.

    “No matter the circumstances, Obasa stands by you. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant him more wisdom and to bless him and his family. May he have no cause for regret in life. I wish him all the best,” he remarked.

    Hon. Aro Moshood, who conveyed his birthday wishes, acknowledged Speaker Obasa’s instrumental role in shaping Lagos and Nigeria as well as his dedication to public service.

    Other lawmakers joined in extending their congratulations, wishing the Speaker long life filled with greater achievements.

    The House commemorated the occasion by showcasing a clip of Speaker Obasa’s significant contributions to major laws passed in the Assembly.

  • Obasa, others: youths should be in agric

    Obasa, others: youths should be in agric

    Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said  youths can create a thriving agricultural sector,  urging Lagosians to secure future of food production.

    Obasa, represented by Gbolahan Yishawu, spoke  yesterday at the Ninth Constituency Stakeholders’ meeting inl 40 constituencies, with its theme: “Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation in Home-Grown Farming.”

    Participants reiterated need for youths to participate in agriculture, not just as a profession but as a way to address food security challenges and contribute to economic diversification.

    He stressed the need to empower youths and farmers to make agriculture develop and ensure sustainable food production.

    Read Also: Thailand returnee arrested with N3.1billion heroin at Lagos airport 

    “Our youths must be empowered, our farmers must thrive, and our communities must flourish,” he said.

     Prince Tajudeen Olusi, member of Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), called on Nigerians to contribute to development of the nation by learning skills and ensuring youths  are engaged in farming, and others.

    He noted importance of citizens’ involvement in the democratic process, stressing  Nigerians should commend the government for its achievements and provide feedback.

    Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa, who said this year the focus is on  security and youth involvement in farming, pledged to make seeds available for one month to his constituents.

     Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State governor on Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) Matters, Jerry Phillips noted significance of initiatives promoting youth involvement in farming, citing the First Lady’s encouragement of agricultural projects through competitions and financial rewards.

  • Lagos to address data privacy breach, says Obasa

    Lagos to address data privacy breach, says Obasa

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said the house would review the Lagos State Data Protection Bill (LDPB) to address breaches in data privacy prevalent in emerging technologies.

     The bill is aimed at promoting protection of personal information processed by public and private bodies.

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    He underscored the pivotal role of technology in shaping the socio-economic landscape globally, citing its influence across various sectors, including energy consumption, telecommunications, health care, automotive and aviation industries, among others.

    Obasa was keynote speaker at the 6th Lagos State University (LASU) Research and Innovation Fair held on the campus in Ojo yesterday. The conference had as theme: “Emerging Technologies, Research and Innovation: Trends, Threats and Consideration.”

  • Speaker Obasa celebrates Orelope-Adefulire at 65

    Speaker Obasa celebrates Orelope-Adefulire at 65

    …calls her an asset to Nigeria

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, as she marks her 65th birthday.

    Dr. Obasa, in a statement by his media office, described Orelope-Adefulire as a shining star who continues to make Lagos proud years after serving the State as Deputy Governor.

    According to Obasa, Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s leadership style, commitment to service and dedication to whatever responsibilities placed before her have consistently marked her out as one to be celebrated.

    “As the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), our former Deputy Governor is known to have initiated and implemented many strategic intervention programmes that have assisted in the growth and progress of Nigeria,” the Speaker said.

    Noting that such interventions have helped to resolve challenges in the education and economic sectors of the country, Obasa said Princess Orelope-Adefulire remains a cherished asset to Nigeria.

    “Through her office, the Federal Government has intervened in the areas of women empowerment, support for children and creation of skills acquisition centres spread across the country.

    “It is on record that as Deputy Governor of Lagos, Princess Orelope-Adefulire co-sponsored the Child Right’s Law and the Domestic Violence Law in Lagos State (2007).

    “She is noted to have also facilitated the establishment of 22 functional skills acquisition centres for the unemployed. The 176-bed transit home for the victims of domestic violence and abuse still stands as a testament of her passion for a better Nigeria.

    “I join your family, friends and associates to celebrate you today and on behalf of my family and colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, I wish you the best of the years ahead in good health, divine wisdom and capacity to continue to play positive roles for the progress of our country,” the statement said.