The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following multiple allegations of financial impropriety.

The dramatic removal occurred during a plenary session on Monday, marking a significant shake-up in the leadership of one of Nigeria’s most influential state legislatures.

Obasa was removed during a plenary session where lawmakers unanimously voted for his impeachment. Following his removal, the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, was also suspended indefinitely. Mojisola Meranda, previously the Deputy Speaker, was sworn in as the new Speaker, while Mojeed Fatai assumed the role of Deputy Speaker.

The official explanation for Obasa’s impeachment revolves around allegations of financial impropriety. Accusations of the Assembly spending N17 billion on constructing a gate and N200 million on a Thanksgiving service have dominated recent headlines, though Obasa has vehemently denied these claims.

“It is funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in a whole year for anyone to claim we spent N17 billion on a gate? They even alleged that we spent N200 million on the recently organized 22nd Thanksgiving service, which is untrue,” Obasa said during a plenary session.

He dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, describing them as “baseless claims” aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

While fraud allegations have been central to the narrative, the sudden and unanimous decision to impeach Obasa has raised questions about whether the move was fueled by deeper political undercurrents.

Many political observers argue that Obasa’s ouster has less to do with fraud and more to do with his rumored governorship ambitions, which have allegedly unsettled key figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Governorship Ambition Factor

Obasa’s ambitions to become Lagos State governor are widely believed to be the real reason behind his impeachment.

In a statement last year during a televised press briefing, Obasa hinted at his interest in the governorship, saying: “Becoming governor … is something that I have not given a serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I’m too young or lack the experience to run, whereas those who have been before me are not better off.”

This statement, while carefully worded, was interpreted by many as a declaration of his readiness to contest for Lagos State’s highest political office. The comment reportedly stirred discontent among key figures in the APC, particularly as rumors swirled that the party’s governorship ticket for 2027 might be reserved for Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The speculation that Seyi Tinubu is being positioned as a potential candidate has heightened political tensions within the APC in Lagos. Obasa’s perceived ambition is believed to have placed him at odds with powerful figures in the party, who view his governorship aspirations as a challenge to the Tinubu political dynasty’s dominance in Lagos State politics.

Observers argue that Obasa’s impeachment is a calculated move to sideline him before the next election cycle. The allegations of financial impropriety, while serious, are seen by some as a convenient tool to justify his removal and weaken his political influence.

It is believed that Obasa’s comments last year were the beginning of his troubles because it made certain people uncomfortable because it suggested that he might not step aside for the candidate that the party hierarchy wants.

“If Obasa is a good student of history, specifically Lagos history, he should have known there’s no other outcome waiting for him,” Dr. Olufunmilayo wrote. “He should have read about Akinwunmi Ambode. Femi Pedro. Ikuforiji. Jokotola. Kofoworola Bucknor. He should have read or heard of them.”

“The lesson is simple: If you will go for the crown, be ruthless and make sure you don’t miss.”

A Crack in Tinubu’s APC Dynasty?

The APC has long maintained a firm grip on Lagos politics, with the Tinubu family playing a central role in the state’s political structure. However, the apparent internal strife surrounding Obasa’s impeachment underscores growing cracks within the party as competing ambitions collide.

For Obasa, his impeachment could signify the end of his governorship aspirations, at least under the APC platform. His removal has also sparked discussions about potential party infighting that may undermine the party’s political chances in 2027.