A member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Muraina Taiwo, has criticized the process that led to the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa was ousted on January 13, 2025, by a majority of lawmakers, who cited alleged misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. He was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency 1, was in the United States when the removal occurred. Upon his return to Lagos on Saturday, he denied the corruption allegations and expressed dissatisfaction with the process, insisting that the proper procedure for his removal had not been followed. “I believe I am still the speaker until the right thing is done. If you want to remove me, do it properly, and I won’t contest it,” he told supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in GRA Ikeja.
In a statement released on Wednesday, titled ‘My Take on the Ongoing Imbroglio at the Lagos State House of Assembly,’ Chief Taiwo condemned Obasa’s removal as illegal and a sign of disrespect towards the party leadership. He stated that the situation had caused a rift within the GAC and emphasized that President Bola Tinubu should have the final say on the matter.
Taiwo’s comments align with those of another GAC member, Senator Anthony Adefuye, who also expressed support for Obasa, agreeing that his removal was illegal and the process flawed.
In response, the Lagos State House of Assembly indicated that it expects Obasa to resume his duties in the House before deciding on the next course of action, which may include a potential investigation.
The Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, also denied rumors that a fake mace had been used in the process of removing the former speaker.
