A former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Olorunnibe Mamora, has affirmed the constitutionality of the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Mamora’s statement comes in response to Obasa’s claim that his impeachment was unconstitutional and did not follow due process.
Addressing his supporters on Saturday, Obasa maintained that the allegations against him were unsubstantiated and emphasised his extensive experience as a sixth-time elected member since 2003.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025 by 35 out of the 40 Assembly members over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds.
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He was replaced by his former Deputy, Mojisola Meranda.
Mamora, who served as the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker from 1999 to 2003 and held ministerial roles under President Muhammadu Buhari, explained the constitutional process of removing a Speaker.
He said: “He who must come to equity must come with clean hands.
“That’s my position.
“Impeachment connotes formal allegations of wrongdoing against a public officer, which must be substantiated before removal.
“However, the removal of a Speaker is straightforward and only requires a motion supported by two-thirds of the members.”
Mamora cited Section 92 of the Constitution, which states that speakers shall vacate their seat if a motion of removal is supported by not less than two-thirds of the House members.
He said: “The Constitution does not even require the allegations to be confronted or explained.
“It’s a simple process because the speaker is just the first among equals.”
Addressing Obasa’s impeachment, Mamora stated: “Obasa was impeached and removed because there was a presentation of allegations, as I watched on television.
“The House acted in consonance with Section 92 of the Constitution.
“Whether the allegations were true is for the Assembly members to determine, but the process was constitutional.”
Mamora also weighed in on reports of Obasa allegedly disrespecting the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He said: “If it is true that Obasa disrespected the office of the governor, that would be unacceptable.
“The governor is the chief executive and deserves respect from all quarters.”
The former Minister of Health clarified common misconceptions about the terms impeachment and removal, emphasising that they are not synonymous.
He said: “There could be impeachment without removal.
“For instance, President (Bill) Clinton was impeached but not removed.
“However, our Constitution focuses on removal, particularly for the Speaker, through a straightforward process requiring two-thirds support from the members.”
Mamora urged all parties to respect constitutional provisions and maintain decorum in their conduct.
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