Ahead of Monday’s plenary, the Lagos State House of Assembly has scaled up security measures at the complex amid fears of a potential showdown by Mr. Mudashiru Obasa’s declaration on Saturday that he remains the speaker.
Obasa claimed that his removal as speaker was illegal, citing that it was carried out unconstitutionally with a fake mace.
He also denied allegations of corruption, describing the alleged financial misappropriations as “impossible,” and urged lawmakers to follow the proper procedure to remove him from office.
Persecondnews reported that Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13, 2025, due to allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation, and was replaced by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda with 32 of the 40-member legislature voting.
Today’s plenary session will mark the third session presided over by Meranda with Obasa not absent in the last two sittings.
Speaking on the impeachment on Saturday, Obasa said: “My status in the house? I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it.
“I am a Muslim and I believe in fate. But let’s do it the way it should be done.”
When asked about his next move, Obasa hinted of a potential legal battle, saying “You will know. It’s a matter of time”
Earlier, he addressed a large gathering of supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
He said: “I thank you for your support and dedication. I will take this advantage to debunk the allegations that were circulated and raised about me.
“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico.
“How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for N1 billion each and that we bought 40 pieces for N40 billion? I am not disturbed or perturbed and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations levelled against me by the House.
“I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House.”
Obasa also accused the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olawale of leading an invasion of the Assembly and his residence on the day of his removal.
He alleged that over 200 policemen stormed his homes in Agege and GRA, blocking the gates and restricting his family’s movement.
He said: “My children did not sleep in this house on that day because they were locked out, and my wife kept inside — house arrest.”
Reacting to the allegations, CP. Ishola denied the allegations, stating that an investigation into the claim can be easily conducted by speaking with residents.
Ishola said: “Whatever happens there (in the assembly) has nothing to do with the police. They have ways they check themselves in and I don’t believe anybody who has no business inside the assembly is allowed in. They have their sergeants at hand who coordinate the conduct of the assembly.
“The law does not permit me to supervise or even intervene in what happens inside the assembly. It has nothing to do with me as a policeman.
“It is my job to keep it calm and that’s what I’m going to do, that’s what I’m doing.
“People will genuinely move about with their businesses, but anybody congregating anywhere to foment trouble will be decisively dispersed, and if they don’t (cooperate), they will be arrested if they conduct themselves in an unruly manner.
“Everyone has the right to assembly but there is also what we call law and order.”
Meanwhile, in a notice issued from the acting Clerk’s office on Sunday, staff members and legislative aides were advised to come to the complex on Monday with a means of identification.
The notice reads: “Regarding management directives, all staff members and legislative aides must present valid identity cards to access the House premises.
“Please remember that entry will be denied to anyone without a valid identity card.”
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