Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has publicly responded to his recent removal from office, labeling the corruption claims against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated.
During a welcome rally at his residence in Joel Ogunnaike GRA, Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa expressed that he is not intimidated by the prospect of impeachment but insisted that proper procedures must be adhered to.
He alleged that his removal was orchestrated during his absence and accused the State Commissioner of Police of facilitating the process. He claimed that security forces, led by the Police Commissioner, stormed the Assembly complex as well as his residences in Agege and Ikeja, barricading his family inside amidst the presence of over 200 officers.
If I’m no longer speaker, it’s not the end of the world. If you wish to assert that I’m corrupt, then prove it,” Obasa remarked.He dismissed the allegations of financial misconduct, mocking the assertion that a gate construction cost N16 billion by asking, “Is it the wall of Jericho?”“I’m not afraid of being ousted; after all, it’s not a title passed down from my father.
I represent my constituents, who have elected me six times. If any action is to be taken, it should be conducted properly,” he added.Obasa claimed that his removal was executed while he was out of the country and emphasized that Lagos is a unique place that should not be denigrated.Pointing out the contrast, he remarked, “When former Speaker Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was still in the assembly, and we didn’t call in the police. Similarly, when my sister, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, was removed, we did not enlist police assistance.
He insisted that those accusing him should not tarnish an innocent person’s reputation without evidence.
The Lagos State House of Assembly is held to a higher standard of excellence. We must uphold the integrity of our institution, and I refuse to be a part of its destruction,” he stated.Obasa expressed gratitude to the members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, referring to him as a brother who frequently regards him as a younger sibling.Obasa was impeached on January 13 by over two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house due to alleged misconduct and various offenses.
Following his removal, his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female to lead the legislative body in the South-West state. Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, has been a member of the House since being first elected in 2007 and became Speaker in June 2015.
