* He’s in a precarious situation – Villa source
* Might seek refuge in the UK for now – Relative
* As GAC members meet Tinubu
Following the impeachment of Hon. Mudashiru Ibrahim Obasa on Monday, January 13, and the rumours of an EFCC probe and arrest, the embattled former speaker is lobbying Tinubu’s men to help him secure a soft landing, NDANUSA JIBRIN writes.
In what has been widely described as a well-executed civilian coup, some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, numbering 32, impeached the speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while he was in transit from faraway Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States of America.
This happened a few weeks after Obasa was alleged to have displayed open disrespect for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2025 budget presentation by the governor.
The impeached speaker had also seized the opportunity to hint at his own political plans, including a possible shot at the governorship.
Although the accusations levelled against Obasa bordered on corruption, the move to impeach him had been on the cards for some months following his battle with Sanwo-Olu.
Although Obasa had been embroiled in a series of controversies concerning his handling of the Assembly and the finances of the state legislature, his impeachment happened during an emergency plenary over alleged misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency in the management of the Assembly.
The motion to remove him was moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed.
Saheed stated, “In line with provisions of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obasa is accused of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings, high-handedness and lack of regard for honourable members, gross abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of honourable members by inciting members against one another, amongst others.”
Saheed alleged that Obasa also, “practices an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties,” and ought to be removed.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.
Subsequently, Meranda emerged as new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Mojeed emerged Deputy Speaker.
Despite allegations of insubordination to political leaders in the state, abuse of office and disregard for honourable members of the House, the impeachment was hinged on financial impropriety as he was alleged to have overseen the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for back-up vehicles for lawmakers, as well as other controversial activities.
In 2020, Obasa allegedly diverted the Assembly’s funds to his personal firms and bank accounts.
He was once invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports about Obasa’s alleged financial mismanagement. He denied all the allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives of the agency.
However, there are indications that Obasa may be picked up by EFCC as soon as he touches down at the airport from the US on Tuesday, owing to these allegations of financial impropriety.
Owing to these rumours of being picked up by the antigraft agency, Obasa is believed to be apprehensive about returning to Nigeria. According to a family source, he might seek refuge in the United Kingdom.
But findings by AljazirahNigeria Newspapers reveal that while he is yet to return to the country, he is busy trying to reach out to President Bola Tinubu by proxy so as to appeal to the President’s conscience to give him a soft landing.
“Obasa, who has been very vocal about his governorship ambition come 2027, is aware that with a corruption verdict or trial, his chances of governing Lagos State would become very minimal if still existent.
“So I can confidentiality tell you that he is currently in a precarious situation. Remember that ha had boasted that nobody can come between him and his ambition, but he has suddenly realised that being confrontational with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other political bigwigs in Lagos State who are very loyal to the President might negativity affect his standing with the president himself, yet it is only the President that can save him.
“So he is now relying on people who are sympathetic to his situation and who are close to President Tinubu to lobby the president in his favour,” an impeccable source close to the corridors of power, told this medium.
Sources revealed that Obasa, while still in London, is in touch with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Tajudeen: the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu and others who are not just close to the President, but who President Tinubu holds in high esteem to lobby the president in his favour so he wouldn’t be picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, upon his return to the country.
Buttressing this notion, just on Thursday, January 23, the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, and members of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, held a crucial meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
The GAC was led by its Chairman, Prince Tajudeen. Others at the meeting were the Secretary, Mutiu Are; APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Lagos West Senatorial District Apex Leader, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa; Leaders from Lagos East District: Alhaji Busura Alebiosu and Alhaji Seriki Bamu; and former state Chairman Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale among others.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr Kadir Obafemi Hamzat; and former Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa were not at the meeting.
At the meeting, the president was briefed about Obasa’s impeachment.
Meranda assured Tinubu that she will work seamlessly with other arms of government to ensure that the Lagosians enjoy full dividends of democracy.
According to a public affairs commentator, Tolulope Ajani, “while I think Obasa himself realises the delicate situation he has put himself in, but as a politician he knows that this is the best time to mend fences and build bridges in his political career. I believe he has realised now that rather than multiplying the number of enemies, he should instead build bridges to more friendships and partnerships.
“But for now, we are all watching to see how things would turn out for him “
