Ousted Lagos Speaker Obasa Holds Plenary with Just Four Lawmakers Amid Assembly Standoff
In a dramatic turn of events, Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, presided over a controversial plenary session on Thursday with only four lawmakers in attendance.
Despite the assembly boasting 40 members, the majority of legislators chose to boycott the session, though they were reportedly present within the complex. Security operatives were said to have forcibly opened the chamber doors, clearing the way for Obasa and his small group of supporters to enter.
Among those who stood by him were Ayinde Akinsanya and Noheem Adams, representatives of Mushin Constituencies I and II, respectively.
Earlier in the day, Obasa made a bold declaration upon arriving at the assembly complex with his security detail, asserting that his removal as Speaker was invalid.
“I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic,” he stated.
Obasa was ousted from his position on January 13 while he was out of the country, with Mojisola Meranda swiftly sworn in as his replacement. However, Thursday’s developments suggest an ongoing power struggle within the Lagos State Assembly, raising questions about the legitimacy of leadership and the stability of governance in the state.
