Lagos Assembly: Obasa Out, Meranda In…..The Reactions

By Felix Kuyinu

Following a change in the post of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, reactions have filled the air on what led to the impeachment of former House leader, Mudashiru Obasa, who was dethroned and replaced by Mojisola Meranda, as Speaker.

On Monday, Meranda took an oath of office to take up the post. The House also suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, who was was replaced by Abubakar Ottun as the Acting Clerk. Further changes also witnessed Fatai Mojeed becoming the new Deputy Speaker.

The legislators stated that tranquility exist among the lawmakers under the new development. Thirty-two out of 40 lawmakers, impeached Obasa, citing gross misconduct.

One of them, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Stephen Ogundipe, hinted that the lawmakers will form a harmonious relationship with the executive arm in the state.

Ogundipe said under the new Speaker, the Assembly would ensure that the executive arm of government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu enjoys the support of the Assembly.

“A good relationship between the executive and legislature was necessary to achieve the development goals of the current administration in the state,” Ogundipe said.

“The new Speaker has shown commitment and passion to collaborate with other arms of government, especially the executive, for the success of the administration.

“Today, there was a change of leadership in the Lagos State House of Assembly as the former Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, was removed and his former deputy, Mrs Mojisola Miranda, was elected as new Speaker.

He continued: “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 continued development of the state.”

Femi Saheed, who represents Kosofe Constituency 02, moved the motion for Obasa’s impeachment.

Saheed uttered that the former Speaker showed poor leadership which included lateness to legislative sections and meetings.

He also held that Obasa’s high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting members against one another amongst others is a violation of the provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

The lawmaker proceeded to say that the former Speaker also practiced authoritarian and undemocratic leadership in discharging his duties.

Also reacting, another lawmaker, Abiodun Tobun, who represents Epe Constituency 01, said that the Assembly’s decision to impeach Obasa became inevitable

“The Constitution made it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings,” said Tobun.

“The members felt that they have had enough of Honourable Mudashiru Obasa and we have unanimously agreed that Honourable Mojisola Lasbat Meranda becomes the new Speaker of the House.

“So, it was a resolution called by all members of the parliament and so be it. And Honourable Fatai Mojeed becomes the new Deputy Speaker of the House. As we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved and all the standing committees have also been dissolved.

“So, the House as you can see it, we have resolved to work together and ensure that we move the parliament to the next level.”

He added: “We cannot open our eyes and allow this parliament to dwindle because we owe our constituents a duty and we owe Lagos State a duty to ensure that there is the sanctity of the House and the integrity of the House is restored. That is why we have all unanimously agreed to carry out this action to save our image and the state.”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos, Fouad Oki justified Obasa’s impeachment.

Oki said: “President Bola Tinubu tried to resolve the crisis in the Lagos State Assembly, but Obasa was recalcitrant.

“Before the president came home, this issue had been lingering. In the wisdom of members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, the president’s attention was called.

“The president, as father and leader, called a meeting wherein he tried to make a sense out of the observations raised by elders of the party.

“Unfortunately, the president saw Obasa as a recalcitrant. I think that is what broke the camel’s back.”

Another chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, expressed support for the impeachment of Obasa. He hinted on the letdown of good terms between the former Speaker and the state’s Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a Facebook post, Igbokwe He wrote, “The deed is done in LAHA!!! Hon Mudashiru Obasa was impeached as Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly for gross misconduct and abuse of office. Hon Mojisola Melanda Ojora is the new Speaker.

“He was on Governor Sanwo Olu’s neck for years. Every attempt to persuade him to work with the Governor fell on deaf ears. Many interventions by GAC members did not help matters”.