Where Is Obasa? Former Lagos Speaker Absent From House Proceedings Weeks After Removal

One month after his controversial ousting as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has yet to appear for any legislative sittings, further fueling the political crisis surrounding his removal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasa, who was voted out on January 13, 2025, by a majority of the 40-member Assembly, has consistently rejected his removal, insisting it was unconstitutional. He has also refused to recognize Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

His ouster followed allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office, with lawmakers removing him while he was abroad in the United States. Upon his return to Lagos on January 25, 2025, Obasa dismissed the corruption claims and challenged his colleagues to present evidence against him.

Obasa Declares Himself Still Speaker

Addressing journalists at the Speaker’s Lodge in GRA, Ikeja, Obasa reiterated that he remains the legitimate Speaker, arguing that due process was not followed in his removal.

“My position in the House? I firmly believe I am still the Speaker until due process is observed.

If you want to remove me, do it properly, and I will not contest it. I am a Muslim, and I believe in fate, but let’s follow the right procedures,” he declared.

Lagos Assembly Moves On Without Obasa

Despite his return, Obasa has not attended a single sitting, while Mojisola Meranda has taken full charge, presiding over at least five plenary sessions. She has also restructured the Assembly, appointing new principal officers and committee members—signaling a decisive break from Obasa’s leadership.

As the sixth plenary session since his removal is set for February 13, 2025, Obasa’s continued absence has raised questions about his next move.

Can Obasa Lose His Seat?

His prolonged absence has sparked speculation over the legal implications for his position as a lawmaker. However, constitutional provisions suggest that his seat cannot yet be declared vacant, leaving room for further political maneuvering in the unfolding saga.