The impeachment of Obasa while he was in the United States: a civil coup

With Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the helm, the public backlash at the 2025 budget announcement was inevitable.

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached yesterday, January 13, while in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in a historic move.
In a unanimous vote, 32 legislators backed the removal of the leader, pointing to his history of corruption, egregious misconduct, and autocratic rule.

Hon. Femi Saheed, who brought the impeachment motion up as a “Matter of Urgent Public Importance,” proclaimed, “This decision reflects our resolve for change.”

Saheed charged that Obasa was unjust, had taken money from the Assembly, and had caused discord.

A quick voice vote approved the resolution in accordance with Section 92(2)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution.

“We’ve had enough,” a lawmaker said, summarizing the Assembly’s feelings.

First female speaker from Lagos State

The first woman to ever serve as Speaker of the Lagos State Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was sworn in as her successor after serving as Deputy Speaker.

During her acceptance address, she made a solemn commitment to lead with honesty and put the people of Lagos first.

Abubakar Ottun took over for suspended Clerk Olalekan Onafeko as Acting Clerk, while Hon. Fatai Mojeed, who had previously served as Deputy Chief Whip, was chosen as Deputy Speaker.

The public outcry during the 2025 budget presentation served as the final catalyst for Obasa’s impeachment. Tensions between him and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had been building for months.

He was already in a precarious position before his gubernatorial aspirations drove away important partners.

The rise of Meranda, who has promised to restore unity and trust among MPs, heralds a fresh chapter for the Lagos Assembly.