In a firm reiteration of their stance, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) have unequivocally affirmed the legality of the ousting of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. They maintain that his removal was conducted in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, dismissing any contestation of its legitimacy.
Obasa’s removal, executed weeks ago on the basis of corruption allegations and other infractions, has ignited political ripples. Despite his assertion that he remains in charge—despite a new speaker having already been sworn in—the Assembly, on Thursday, emphasized the binding nature of his dismissal.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an autonomous legislative body, has exercised its constitutional prerogative in the collective interest of the people of Lagos,” read an official statement issued by Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly, following the lawmakers’ visit to the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The statement underscored that Obasa’s removal was effectuated through a democratic process, securing the required majority vote as outlined in the law. Any effort to challenge this decision, the lawmakers warned, would be tantamount to undermining the authority conferred upon them by the Nigerian Constitution.
The legislators pointed to Sections 92 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the Powers and Privileges Act, which grant State Assemblies the authority to regulate their internal proceedings without external influence.
“The statutory framework governing the legislature is clear: the process for electing and removing a speaker is well defined, and in this instance, all requisite legal and procedural steps were meticulously followed,” the lawmakers asserted. “It is a matter of public record that legislative autonomy has been constitutionally enshrined, empowering elected representatives to deliberate and act freely within the chambers assigned to them.”
In the wake of Obasa’s removal, several Assembly members were detained by the DSS for questioning on matters concerning the legislature’s internal affairs. Their colleagues subsequently visited the security agency’s Lagos office on Thursday to seek clarification and ensure due process in their treatment.
Following this intervention, the Assembly confirmed that all previously detained lawmakers had regained their freedom.
“We are pleased to report that our colleagues have now been released,” the statement affirmed, commending the DSS for its professionalism and constructive engagement.
With Obasa officially unseated, Mojisola Meranda has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, marking a historic shift as the first woman to ever occupy the position. Additionally, Mojeed Fatai has been elected as the Assembly’s Deputy Speaker.
Since its establishment in 1979, the Lagos State House of Assembly has seen nine different legislative assemblies. The latest was inaugurated in 2019, and with Meranda’s ascension, a new chapter in the state’s legislative history has begun.
