The political drama surrounding the impeachment of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has taken a new turn as Senator Anthony Adefuye, a key member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has voiced his support for Obasa’s claim that his removal was unconstitutional. However, the pro-democracy group Lovers of Lagos has challenged Adefuye to back his assertions with a clear reference to the Constitution, insisting that the law, not emotions, should guide such matters.

In an interview with The Punch, Senator Adefuye expressed agreement with Obasa’s position that the impeachment process was flawed. “What he’s saying is that he was illegally removed and the procedure was faulty, and I agree with him,” Adefuye stated. This has sparked widespread debate about the legality of Obasa’s ouster, which occurred on January 13, 2025, with the support of 32 lawmakers—an overwhelming majority in the House.

Lovers of Lagos: Sentiment Is Not Law

Responding to Adefuye’s remarks, Lovers of Lagos issued a statement challenging the senator to provide specific constitutional provisions that were violated during Obasa’s removal. The group emphasized that governance and legislative actions must be guided by law, not personal sentiments or political loyalties.

“As an elder of the party and a former legislator, Senator Adefuye should know better than to make vague claims without backing them with constitutional evidence,” the group said. “If the former Speaker’s removal was truly illegal, let Senator Adefuye or anyone else point us to the exact part of the Constitution that supports this claim. It is not enough to make emotional arguments; these issues are constitutional, not sentimental.”

Obasa’s Claims Under Scrutiny

During his public address at the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa reiterated his stance that his removal did not follow due process. He denied allegations of financial misconduct and questioned the validity of the impeachment process.

“I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House,” Obasa stated. He further mocked the allegations, asking, “Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It’s not the Wall of Jericho or the wall between the United States and Mexico.”

However, Lovers of Lagos dismissed these claims as a distraction from the real issue at hand. “The impeachment of Rt. Hon. Obasa was supported by 32 lawmakers—an undeniable majority. This shows that the process had widespread support within the Assembly. If Obasa believes his removal was unconstitutional, he should take legal action and let the courts decide, instead of engaging in public theatrics,” the group added.

A Call for Clarity

The group also criticized Senator Adefuye for adding fuel to the political crisis without offering constructive solutions. “As a respected elder and a member of the GAC, Senator Adefuye should be advising on how to move the state forward, not sowing discord by making baseless claims. The Constitution is clear on the procedures for impeachment, and these were followed in the case of Obasa,” Lovers of Lagos noted.

The Way Forward

While Obasa has hinted at potential legal action, observers have urged him to focus on presenting his case in court rather than fueling tensions in the political arena. His comparison of his removal to that of former Speaker Jokotola Pelumi, who he claims was impeached following due process, has also been questioned by legal experts, who argue that each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.

“Lagosians deserve governance rooted in accountability and the rule of law. If there are grievances, they must be addressed within the framework of the Constitution. The era of impunity is over, and everyone, regardless of position, must adhere to the law,” Lovers of Lagos concluded.

As the controversy rages on, the spotlight remains on Senator Adefuye and others supporting Obasa to prove their claims with facts, not rhetoric. Until then, the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, continues its work, moving past the era of Obasa’s leadership.

Former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Dr Oluyinka Ogundimu, has congratulated the newly-elected Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Honourable Lasbat Mojisola Meranda on her new achievement.

Honourable Ogundimu described Rt Honourable Meranda’s election as well deserved nothing that the fact she was overwhelmingly voted for to lead the House by her colleagues was a testament of the confidence repose in her by them.

“That you were overwhelmingly voted for by your colleagues to lead them is a confirmation of their belief in your ability and capacity to lead them,” Dr Ogundimu said.

He stated further, “and having related, interacted and worked with you closely during the 8th and 9th Assemblies, I have no doubt that you have the ability to restore the Assembly glory and return it to its status of being above common standard of excellence”.

Dr Ogundimu, who was a member of the House in the 7th, 8th and 9th Assemblies, urged the lawmakers to rally round the new Speaker, support her and cooperate with her to make the House great again.

“It’s your collective responsibility to join hands with Rt Honourable Meranda to restore the dignity of the House,” he said

Friday, 13 December, 2024, another day of glory for the Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Lagos, Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala at the prestigious MUSON Centre in the heart of Lagos.

It was the day the General Secretary of Conference 57, umbrella organisation for Council Chairmen in Lagos State bagged the Shinning Star Award for Grassroots Governance presented to him by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

It was the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA 2024) and the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre was packed full.

At the event on that day, Ajala was the cynosure of eyes as the entire council management led by the Council Manager, Pastor (Mrs) Folake Otenaike; and the Treasurer, Mr Mujitaba Rufai-Karounwi were on hand to felicitate with him.

Ajala’s amiable but ever humble wife, Alhaja Muheebah Kehinde Ajala, was also on hand to ensure that everything went well in terms of reception for the guests.

The political class led by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Seyi Jakande; the Chairman of the Council’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Tunde Kazeem (TUNKAZ); the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Mujeeb Daramola; and the Supervisor for Health Services, Honourable Nureni Ogunbona were present.

The elected councillors were led by the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Council, Honourable Rilwan Ajenifuja were also on hand to felicitate with their Chairman.

The award was presented to the Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Chairman by his teacher and mentor, Pastor (Dr) Peter Ogudero.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, described Ajala as an astute grassroots politician who is well connected with his people.

“He is a man of the people, always in their midst and his programmes have always centred on improving their standard of living and enhancing their welfare,” she said.

An elated Ajala, while responding after the presentation of the award, expressed gratitude to the organisers which he described as a recognition from the homefront, “because I’m also a member of the NIPR”.

He assured the organisers and the people of his council that rather than rest on his oars with the award, he will continue to do more to enhance their welfare.

“The reward for hard work is more work and I want to assure you all that we will not rest on our oars with this award.

“This is an award won via collective team work hence I’m dedicating it to the elected, appointed, management and staff of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and more, to the people of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA,” he said