Lagos Assembly In Crisis: GAC Members Polarized Over Speaker Obasa’s Future

LAGOS — Members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest advisory body in Lagos State, expressed differing opinions yesterday regarding the impeachment of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Prominent GAC members, including former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and Senator Anthony Adefuye, clashed over their stance on the embattled former Speaker.

While Senator Adefuye argued that Obasa’s impeachment was illegal and procedurally flawed, Senator Obanikoro dismissed his remarks as “careless” and “irresponsible.”

The GAC Secretary, Mutiu Are, sought to ease tensions, stating that the Assembly’s crisis would be resolved amicably through internal dialogue.

Meanwhile, a group called Lovers of Lagos has called for Obasa’s arrest, accusing him of improperly using the official Speaker’s residence.

Obanikoro and Adefuye Clash Over Obasa’s Removal

Senator Adefuye, in a recent interview, supported Obasa’s claims of being improperly removed, saying:
“What he is saying is that he was illegally removed and the procedure was faulty, and I agree with him.”

In response, Senator Obanikoro criticized Adefuye’s public statements, calling them “childish” and “inconsequential.” He urged GAC members to uphold discretion and respect the council’s hierarchy.

Obanikoro stated:
“Senator Adefuye’s remarks on Obasa’s removal are unfortunate and unbecoming. As leaders, we must avoid rushing to make personal statements on sensitive matters, especially when the GAC has yet to issue an official position.”

He added that it was inappropriate for Adefuye to speak publicly on a matter that had drawn the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing:
“No individual member of the GAC should exploit their privileged status to air personal opinions on such a delicate issue.”