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The former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has denied allegations of corruption leveled against him, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
The Nation reports that Obasa was removed as the speaker on January 13, over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds, and replaced with his former Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda.
Speaking on Saturday at a welcome event held in his honor in Ikeja GRA, and attended by his supporters from Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe local government areas, Obasa refuted allegations of financial mismanagement, including claims that he spent ₦16 billion to construct a gate for the Assembly.
The Speaker also addressed accusations that the House purchased over 45 Hilux vehicles for lawmakers at an inflated cost of ₦47 billion.
He refuted the claim, stating that if divided, it would imply that each vehicle was worth ₦1 billion, which he deemed unrealistic.
Obasa insisted that the allegations were attempts to discredit his leadership and integrity, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to legislative duties and service to Lagos State.
“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico.
“How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for N1 billion each and that we bought 40 pieces for N40 billion? Talking about Thanksgiving, they should compare the one they said we spent N200 million on and the one organized by the state government.
“I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations leveled against me by the House.
“I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades, and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House,” he said.
“For me, I am not disturbed, perturbed, or afraid. I will address these allegations head-on and prove my innocence,” he asserted.
Reacting to his reported removal, Obasa clarified that there was no impeachment process in the Assembly but rather a removal attempt that did not follow due legislative procedures.
He emphasized that his tenure as Speaker has been marked by dedication and respect for his colleagues, adding that any decision to remove him must adhere to the House’s standing rules.
“I am not afraid of being removed. After all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people, and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.
“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place; we cannot denigrate the state.
“When former Speaker Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly, and we did not invite policemen. When my sister, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, was removed, we did not invite the police.
“They should not discredit an innocent person; they should prove their allegations against me. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence.
“I have served as Speaker for ten years and as a member of the Assembly since 2003. What else am I looking for? Nothing. But due process must be followed,” he stated.
“I believe in the image of our institution. We must not destroy it, and I will never partake in its destruction.
“I appreciate the members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the state. He is my brother, and he always calls me his younger brother,” he stated.
Obasa also thanked Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said would always be his father.
Obasa urged stakeholders and lawmakers to protect the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly, referencing previous leadership changes that were handled peacefully and without external interference.
The Speaker also expressed gratitude to his supporters and party leaders, vowing to continue working for the betterment of Lagos State while defending his integrity.
