‘Complacency Or Arrogance’ – Former Lagos Speaker Says Removal Expected As PDP Wants Obasa Investigated, Prosecuted

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the recently impeached Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and prosecute him if found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Naija News recalls that Mojisola Meranda was elected Speaker on Monday after lawmakers unanimously impeached Mudashiru Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency 1, citing allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation.

The lawmakers also cited poor leadership, and habitual lateness to legislative sessions and plenaries as reasons for his removal.

Reacting, the Lagos PDP spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, emphasized that it is not enough for the legislators to merely raise allegations without following through to establish the facts.

He called on the lawmakers to formally petition the EFCC and provide the necessary evidence to enable a thorough investigation.

Amode stated, “The Assembly is constituted by law and the members have the right to choose who leads them. So, it is within their right to impeach and to re-elect another lawmaker to lead them. This is their constitutional right.

“Their allegation that a fraud has been committed by the former Speaker is of concern to every Lagosian. Our stand is that the lawmakers should petition the EFCC to examine and prosecute Obasa if he is found wanting. They should either petition the police or the EFCC. The good thing is that they have asked him to step aside. He should be prosecuted.”

Meanwhile, a former Speaker of the Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, attributed Obasa’s impeachment to his authoritarian leadership style and lack of respect for both the executive and his fellow lawmakers.

Ikuforiji said that Obasa’s impeachment was inevitable, given his disregard for colleagues and failure to heed advice from party leaders.

He added that Obasa’s extended tenure in the House had led to complacency, straining his relationships with other members.

He said, “One should not get complacent with it or take a leadership position for granted. The speakership is a very hot one. It takes the contribution of all the other 39 members to make the seat comfortable. If any of them is aggrieved, then the seat is shaky.

“One fact that is worthy of note is the equality of all lawmakers in the parliament. So, it is out of place for any of the members to treat others as subordinates. When you start seeing your colleagues as subordinates or feel that you have become larger than life, it becomes very dangerous. The parliament is one where everyone is equal. Leadership in the House should not lead to complacency or arrogance.”

Ikuforiji concluded that recent developments made a change in the House’s leadership foreseeable, reflecting the need for respect and humility in parliamentary governance.