The immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has rejected his recent impeachment, claiming it was conducted using a fake mace.
Obasa was impeached by lawmakers a few weeks ago while he was in the United States, with Mojisola Meranda emerging as the new Speaker.
However, upon his return to Nigeria over the weekend, Obasa declared the impeachment null and void, arguing that it did not follow constitutional procedures.
Addressing supporters from Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe local government areas at Ikeja GRA, Obasa questioned the legitimacy of the process, citing police involvement and alleged irregularities.
“Let me ask you, early in the morning of that day, policemen invaded the House of Assembly, led by the Commissioner of Police. What was he doing in the House of Assembly? What was his business in the House of Assembly?” he said.
Obasa contrasted his impeachment with previous leadership changes in the Assembly, which he described as peaceful and procedural. He referenced the removal of former Speaker Pelumi and former Deputy Speaker Tejuoso as examples.
*”When Pelumi, my brother, whom I love so much and fondly call Brother Waheed, was removed, he was in the House, and there was no police involvement. It was done on the floor of the House without breaking into the chamber and without presenting a fake mace.
When Tejuoso, my lovely sister and friend, was removed as deputy speaker, we were all there on the floor of the House. We did not invite any police; it was done peacefully. And the members who were suspended, it was done by the majority of the House on the floor of the House,”* Obasa stated.
He further insisted that his impeachment lacked legitimacy, calling on authorities and stakeholders to investigate the matter and ensure due process is upheld in the legislative process.
