Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, distanced himself from the impeachment of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in an interview with The PUNCH, described Obasa’s impeachment as a strict legislative affair devoid of politics or the state government’s influence or interference.
“It is purely a legislative matter and the Assembly handled it the best way they could. It has nothing to do with the governor,” Akosile simply said, citing separation of powers in the constitution, the Executive, Legislative, and the Judiciary.
The state lawmakers on Monday impeached Obasa over multiple allegations including misconduct, abuse and financial misappropriation.
He was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda.
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The Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, was also suspended indefinitely, while the Chief Whip, Mojeed Fatai, was elected the new Deputy Speaker.
In a viral video sighted by The Eagle Online, the lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly revealed why they sacked Mudashiru Obasa as their Speaker on Monday.
The representative of Epe 1 Constituency, Abiodun Tobun, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said: “The Lagos State House of Assembly declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
“The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State.
“Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.
“All standing committees and principal office positions have been dissolved.
“We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”
Obasa’s Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, did not respond to calls or text messages regarding the development at the time of filing this report.
On whether the state would be prosecuting Obasa based on the allegations of fraud, Sanwo-Olu’s aide, Akosile, said since it was the Assembly that accused the former Speaker, it was still left to the lawmakers to handle such.
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