Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly dismissed allegations suggesting his involvement in the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The governor emphasized that the decision to remove Obasa was made solely by the legislators without any external influence.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the impeachment as a purely legislative process.
“There is absolutely no truth to the rumour that the governor influenced the impeachment. It was strictly a decision made by the lawmakers,” Akosile said during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Akosile further explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu remains focused on fulfilling his responsibilities to the residents of Lagos State. “Governor Sanwo-Olu is focused on addressing the needs of over 20 million Lagosians. What transpired in the Assembly was entirely within the prerogative of the legislators. Like everyone else, the governor witnessed the proceedings through the media,” he added.
The impeachment took place during an emergency plenary session on Monday, where 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly voted in favor of removing Obasa. The lawmakers cited allegations of gross misconduct as the reason for their decision. Obasa had served as Speaker since 2015 and represented the Agege 1 Constituency.
Following the impeachment, the Assembly promptly appointed Deputy Speaker Mrs. Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa 1) as the new Speaker. Additionally, Mr. Fatai Adebola (APC-Ibeju Lekki 1) was elected as the Deputy Speaker. In a related development, the Assembly suspended its Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, indefinitely and announced the dissolution of all principal positions and standing committees.
