Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has denied having a hand in the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Recall that Obasa was removed from office following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, corruption, and financial mismanagement. His impeachment was approved by 32 members of the Assembly.
Reacting to the development, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the impeachment as a strictly legislative matter, affirming the independence of the Assembly in handling its internal affairs.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor emphasized that the Lagos State Government had no influence or interference in the process.
“It is purely a legislative matter, and the Assembly handled it the best way they could. It has nothing to do with the governor,” Akosile stated in an interview with The Punch.
He further reiterated the principle of separation of powers enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, which delineates the responsibilities of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015, was impeached after members of the Assembly accused him of multiple infractions. These include allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, which reportedly strained relations between him and other lawmakers.
Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda, the erstwhile Deputy Speaker, was unanimously elected as the new Speaker, making her the first substantive female Speaker in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Although Sanwo-Olu has refrained from commenting on Obasa’s tenure, sources suggest that the governor expressed optimism about a more harmonious working relationship with the new Assembly leadership.
