In a dramatic turn of events, the Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following allegations of multibillion-naira fraud. Obasa was replaced by his deputy, Lasbat Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1 and previously served as the House’s chief whip.
The decision to remove Mr. Obasa was fueled by revelations of questionable expenditures, including the withdrawal of ₦43.5 billion for backup vehicles for lawmakers and other controversial financial activities. Internal expenditure documents were reportedly circulated among lawmakers to support the case for his impeachment.
Mr. Obasa, who was in Atlanta at the time of the decision, first assumed office as Speaker on June 8, 2015, alongside former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
His tenure has been overshadowed by accusations of corruption and political misconduct. In 2020, reports emerged detailing how public funds were allegedly diverted to personal accounts and businesses linked to him. He was invited for questioning by anti-graft agencies but consistently denied all allegations, and no charges were brought against him.
This impeachment marks a significant shift in the Lagos State political landscape, with Mrs. Meranda now at the helm of the Assembly, signaling potential reforms and a new chapter for legislative governance in the state.