The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has strongly contested his removal, insisting that the proper constitutional procedures were not followed.
In his first public statement on the matter, Obasa emphasized that any impeachment should adhere to legal protocols, adding that he would not contest his removal if done lawfully.
Obasa also dismissed the corruption allegations that led to his ousting, calling the claims “impossible.”
The former Speaker challenged accusations of financial mismanagement, particularly the alleged misappropriation of N16 billion for a gate construction and the purchase of N40 billion worth of vehicles, describing them as false.
Speaking to a large crowd of supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa stated, “I have been a lawmaker for over two decades, and I am the longest-serving member in the House. I have not done anything wrong.”
He further denied the allegations of corruption and expressed confidence in his integrity, emphasizing that such claims were unfounded.
The former Speaker also recounted the heavy police presence on the day of his removal, claiming that more than 200 officers, led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, had stormed the assembly and even invaded his private residence in Agege, blocking his family members from leaving.
Obasa refuted the manner of his impeachment, stating that the process was rushed while he was out of the country, a stark contrast to previous removals in the assembly.
He cited the removals of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi and former Deputy Speaker Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, which occurred without police involvement.
“I am not afraid of being removed,” Obasa asserted. “This is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I represent my people, and they have returned me six times. If they want to do anything, they should do it the right way.”
The embattled lawmaker also expressed his gratitude toward the Governance Advisory Council and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, referring to the governor as a close ally.
Obasa closed by reaffirming his commitment to upholding the dignity of the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating, “We must not destroy the image of this institution, and I will never partake in its destruction.”
He added that time would tell whether a legal battle would follow, hinting at future developments in the matter.
