How President Tinubu Interceded in Lagos Assembly Matters and Made an Attempt to Protect Former Speaker Obasa From Corruption Charges

The recent impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been described as a long-overdue move, reportedly influenced by President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and Obasa’s defiance. Fouad Oki, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), provided insights into the circumstances surrounding Obasa’s removal.

According to Oki, President Tinubu made several attempts to mediate the growing crisis within the assembly after concerns were raised by members of the party’s Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). However, Obasa’s refusal to cooperate ultimately led to his impeachment.

Speaking on a Channels TV program, Oki explained, “Before the president returned to the country, this issue had been festering. The GAC, in its wisdom, brought it to his attention. As a father and leader, the president convened a meeting to address the concerns raised by party elders. Unfortunately, Obasa’s defiant attitude during the meeting became the tipping point.”

Obasa was impeached on Monday after months of corruption allegations. His removal paved the way for Mojisola Meranda to become the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, signaling a significant shift in the assembly’s leadership.

Oki stressed that Obasa’s impeachment was not a hasty decision but the result of unresolved tensions and his failure to heed repeated warnings from party elders.

In December 2024, SaharaReporters reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been petitioned to investigate Obasa for alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The Progressive Youth Movement of Ikeja, Lagos State, accused Obasa of using proxy companies to embezzle assembly funds and violating procurement regulations. The petition, dated December 17, also highlighted that the Finance Management Committee had not convened since the 10th Assembly’s inauguration, allowing Obasa to make unauthorized financial decisions.

Additionally, the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition petitioned the EFCC to investigate allegations that Obasa mismanaged ₦17 billion allocated for constructing a gate at the Lagos State House of Assembly. The petition claimed Obasa awarded a ₦469 million contract for the construction of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat to Orgnitek Consult Limited, a company allegedly linked to his fraudulent dealings.

The group further accused Obasa of approving ₦200 million for a thanksgiving event at the assembly, an amount they argued should not have exceeded ₦2 million.