LSHA CRISIS: LAGOS LAWMAKERS INSIST THAT THE REMOVAL OF EX-SPEAKER OBASA IS LEGAL

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) have reaffirmed the legality of Mudashiru Obasa's removal as Speaker, asserting that the action is binding.

Obasa was ousted weeks ago due to allegations of corruption and other offenses. Despite his claims of still holding the position, even after another individual was elected, the Lagos State Assembly declared on Thursday that his removal stands firm.

In a statement by Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, representing the Assembly, it was emphasized: “The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent branch of government, has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility in the best interest of Lagos residents.” This statement followed the lawmakers' appearance before the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The decision to remove the former Speaker was made through a democratic process, with the necessary majority as required by law. Any challenge to this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution,” they stated.

The Assembly affirmed that Obasa’s removal aligns with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which allow the State Assembly to manage its internal matters without outside interference. 

“Sections 92 and 96 detail the procedures for electing and removing the Speaker, and we adhered to due process in our decision. It is also publicly known that legislative autonomy has been granted to State Assemblies, enabling elected representatives to operate freely within their designated chambers,” the lawmakers added.

Some members of the Lagos Assembly had previously been detained by the DSS for questioning related to the legislative body, prompting additional members to visit on Thursday. Following this visit, the lawmakers reported that their colleagues who were questioned had been released.

“All Assembly members who were detained have now regained their freedom,” a lawmaker stated, commending the professionalism of the DSS. “We thank the Lagos DSS Command, particularly the Director, for facilitating a smooth and respectful engagement.”

After Obasa's removal, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Since its establishment in 1979, the Assembly has seen nine different assemblies, with the most recent inaugurated in 2019. Until Meranda's election, no woman had held the position of Speaker. Mojeed Fatai was also elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.