By Lukman Olabiyi
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday unanimously impeached the Speaker of the House Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Moving the motion for his removal under a matter of urgent public importance Hon. Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe Constituency 2, who cited relevant sections of the constitution which back the impeachment said the speaker was being removed for some infractions
Obasa who was impeached was subsequently replaced by his deputy Mojisola Meranda.
Hon. Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was also a former chief whip of the house, while Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected the Deputy Speaker of the House.
Some of the allegations levelled against the impeached speaker include gross misconduct, poor leadership, high-handedness, lack of commitment to legislative business, lack of regard for lawmakers, intimidation and suppression of lawmakers.
Other allegations are inciting lawmakers against one another, financial improprieties, misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, and authoritarianism among others.
The motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2
The motion was subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceeding and all the lawmakers shouted “yes” in support while none said “nay” to counter the motion.
The impeachment of Obasa can be said to be a punitive measure for his sins.
While he presided over the affairs of the House, he was always at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Meanwhile, the state lawmakers declared their decision to impeach Obasa as an attempt to end the era of bad leadership, stating they could no longer tolerate his reign.
Speaking to journalists Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
Tobun emphasized that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
Also, the impeachment of Obasa was described as a breath of fresh air by workers within the assembly complex.
Some staff who spoke with pressmen said they were happy with the development.
Many of them complained about Obasa’s highhandedness in dealing with the assembly workers including their welfare.
