Obasa: I support removal but only through proper procedure

Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has declared that his dismissal must follow the same due procedure that resulted in his appointment.
Only four MPs were present when Obasa made a theatrical entrance at the Assembly building on Thursday, proclaimed himself Speaker, and led a plenary session, according to Naija News.

Speaking Thursday night on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obasa made it clear that he did not object to his dismissal but that due procedure had to be followed.

We were in recess first. The Majority Leader made a motion to adjourn until February 18 and it received a strong second. As a result, I traveled to the US Congress on official business. The purpose of the second trip was to attend a program planned for a few House members in Canada.

Thus, we appropriately adjourned. It must go through the Speaker, Clerk, and Majority Leader before reconvening. Only the Speaker may call the House back together in accordance with its rules. It makes no difference what kind of counterfeit is being attempted if that procedure is not followed.

“The House as a whole backed me when I was elected Speaker. The entire House supported my nomination, and I was elected Speaker in June 2023. If the House makes a different decision, that is perfectly acceptable. But since they went through a procedure to elect me, they will have to go through the same procedure if they want to remove me,” he said.

Obasa: Meranda Withdrew From the Speakership Race

In addition, Obasa disclosed that after meeting with the state’s party leadership, his successor, Mojisola Meranda, pulled out of the contest for Speakership. He also mentioned that her security detail was taken away as a result of her withdrawal.

Did I file a complaint when my security guards were removed without my knowledge or consent, even when I was out of the country? No, I didn’t. All party leaders and members of the House attended a meeting at Marina. Meranda publicly announced her resignation and step-down during that meeting.

He clarified that “the paraphernalia of an office is naturally taken away when you resign from that office.”

Obasa and Governor Sanwo-Olu Do Not Have a Relationship

Obasa denied the allegations when questioned if his political problems were due to his desire to become governor or his disrespect for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“Let’s rectify the misconception that ambition is a sin. Second, the Governor is everything to me—my brother and leader. I’m not justified in treating him disrespectfully.

“It’s likely that I was unaware of any rude actions I may have performed. I have no justification for doing this. “The governor is the most important person in our state,” he declared.