Thirty-two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
They also announced that Deputy Speaker, Hon Lasbat Meranda representing Apapa State Constituency I has been elected to replace Obasa while the Chief Whip, Hon Mojeed Fatai emerged as the Deputy Speaker.
The motion to impeach Obasa was moved Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed.
Citing section 92(2)(C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Saheed accused Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; highhandedness, and lack of regard for members.
Saheed also said Obasa was also accused of gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting members against one another amongst others.
He further accused the sacked speaker of authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties before moving the motion for impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was effected by 32 out of the 40- member parliament through a voice vote.
Obasa, who is a six-term lawmaker was elected Speaker in 2015 and got re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
The impeachment came amidst an alleged secret campaign by Obasa to be the next Governor of Lagos State in 2027 under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Efforts by our reporter to get Obasa’s reaction were unsuccessful as he is currently outside the country.
Also yesterday, Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko was suspended and replaced by Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun as the Acting Clerk of the House.
Reacting to Obasa’s impeachment, Hon Abiodun Tobun representing Epe Constituency I, said, “As we have just seen change of baton, it is only death that is constant, change is inevitable. The members of the parliament today have decided to change the leadership of the House.
“The constitution makes it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings, so members of the House have had enough of Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
“And today we have unanimously agreed that Rt Hon. Lasbat Meranda becomes the new Speaker of the House. It was a resolution concurred to by all members of the parliament and so be it. Hon Fatai Mojeed has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
“And as we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved and the standing committees have been dissolved. So the House has resolved to work together and ensure that we move the parliament to the next level.
“We can’t allow the parliament to dwindle. We owe the constituents the duty and Lagos State a duty. The sanctity of the House and integrity of the House is restored and that is why we have all unanimously agreed to carry out this action to save our image and save the State”.

Hon. Meranda taking her oath of office as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday