Obasa Speaks Out: “I’m Not Against Removal, But Due Process Must Be Followed

On Thursday, Obasa made a dramatic return to the Assembly complex, declared himself Speaker, and presided over a plenary session attended by only four lawmakers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obasa emphasized that he had no objection to being removed from office, but insisted that due process must be strictly followed.

“We were on recess, and a motion to adjourn till February 18 was properly moved by the Majority Leader and seconded. I then traveled on an official visit to the U.S. Congress, with a subsequent program planned in Canada for some House members.

“As per House rules, only the Speaker can reconvene a session, which must go through the Majority Leader and the Clerk. If this process is ignored, then whatever action is taken is a forgery.

“When I was elected Speaker in June 2023, the entire House unanimously supported my nomination. If they now decide otherwise, that’s fine. However, the same process that brought me in must be followed to remove me,” he stated.

Meranda Stepped Down Voluntarily – Obasa

Obasa also revealed that his successor, Mojisola Meranda, withdrew from the Speakership race after meeting with the state’s party leadership, leading to the withdrawal of her security detail.

“When my security personnel were withdrawn while I was abroad, I did not complain. A meeting was held in Marina, attended by party leaders and House members, where Meranda publicly declared her resignation.

“When you step down from an office, the privileges of that office are naturally taken away,” he explained.

Obasa Dismisses Rift With Governor Sanwo-Olu

Addressing speculation that his political troubles were linked to his ambition to become governor or alleged friction with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obasa dismissed the claims as baseless.