The ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has resumed presiding over the assembly’s plenary session, despite ongoing controversies surrounding his removal.
On Wednesday afternoon, a contentious session unfolded in the Lagos State House of Assembly, as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa presided over proceedings with just four other members in attendance.
This followed a dramatic turn of events, with security personnel reportedly forced to open the chamber doors.
The session, which started at 3 p.m. and lasted until around 3:30 p.m., saw Obasa assert his claim to the speakership, insisting that he remains the rightful holder of the position.
Despite his presence, over 26 other members of the Assembly stood outside the chamber, showing clear support for the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and refusing to take part in the session.
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Obasa, who was removed from office on January 13 while abroad, has repeatedly stated that his removal did not follow the correct procedures.
He emphasised that while impeachment is a democratic and constitutional process, it must adhere to due process and legality.
In his own words, “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.”
Obasa’s return to the assembly and his defiant stance come after Meranda’s swift installation as Speaker in his absence. Despite the turmoil, Obasa maintains that he is the legitimate Speaker and continues to challenge his removal, vowing to reclaim his position.
