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“I’m Not Too Young To Be Governor,” Last Words That Sank Lagos Speaker As Sanwo-Olu Quietly Monitors Removal

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The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, January 13, 2025, has generated political reactions across Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reportedly welcomed the development, signaling optimism for a more harmonious working relationship with the state legislature following Obasa’s ouster.

On the day of the impeachment, Sanwo-Olu stayed at Lagos House, Marina, delegating his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to preside over the weekly executive council meeting at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja. Sources suggest the governor closely monitored the unfolding events at the Lagos Assembly Complex, where Obasa was impeached unanimously by 39 members over allegations of financial misappropriation and other misconduct.

Armed security personnel were deployed early Monday to secure the Assembly premises and prevent unrest. Despite their presence, hoodlums attempted to invade the complex but were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Lagos State Task Force, resulting in multiple arrests.

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His removal came days after he was alleged to have overseen the withdrawal of N43.5bn for backup vehicles for lawmakers, among other multiple statutory and financial infractions. He was reportedly in Atlanta, United States of America when the lawmakers convened and embarked on processes leading to his impeachment. Shortly after his removal, some of his loyalists who stormed the Assembly were seen in a Black Maria parked in front of the House of Assembly complex with the inscription, ‘Lagos State Task Force.’

Sources close to the governor revealed that Sanwo-Olu, along with members of his executive council, regarded Obasa’s impeachment as a positive step. A sentiment of “good riddance to bad rubbish” reportedly echoed among government officials during the brief EXCO meeting led by Hamzat.

Obasa’s leadership had long been criticized for his perceived disrespect toward the governor’s office, with past interventions by President Bola Tinubu attempting to restore peace between the two. However, tensions culminated in Monday’s impeachment, which sparked jubilation among Assembly staff, civil servants, and political observers.

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Reacting to the impeachment, political analyst Jide Ojo described the development as a “self-inflicted own goal” during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Ojo attributed Obasa’s downfall to actions deemed disrespectful toward Governor Sanwo-Olu, including remarks during the budget presentation that many interpreted as a snub. Obasa had reportedly claimed, “I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.”

Further allegations against Obasa included delaying the governor and party elders during critical meetings and exhibiting a defiant attitude despite interventions from party leadership.

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As the political fallout continues, Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to meet with the newly elected speaker and other principal officers to forge a more productive relationship with the Assembly. Meanwhile, Obasa’s impeachment is being seen as a shift in Lagos State politics, marking the end of a tumultuous era in the Assembly’s leadership.

In the aftermath of the impeachment, Obasa’s travails have been linked to the 2027 race. There is speculation that Obasa was poised to battle for the All Progressives Congress ticket with Seyi Tinubu, immediate past Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; and other heavyweights. Moreover, Seyi has been receiving a series of endorsements from many groups though Obasa, who was the longest-serving speaker of Lagos insisted he was not too young or inexperienced to run. Ahead of the 2027 poll, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, an umbrella body of youth groups across the six geopolitical zones, endorsed Seyi for the Lagos governorship position in 2027. Those angling for Ambode’s return say they want him to complete 16 years for Christians before power could return to the Muslims in the state

In an interview with TVC on Monday, a former speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said there was more to the impeachment beyond the trending speculations.

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When asked whether it had to do with Obasa’s intention to run for governor, Ikuforiji said, “I don’t think I will agree with that because the present governor is in his second term. He can’t run for that office again. So, there is no reason why he will be annoyed that the Speaker wants to run for the office of the governor. That cannot be part of this thing.”

When asked about the influence of the GAC and other political interests, he said, “Yes there are bigger interests but I don’t think anybody in the Governor’s Advisory Council will be annoyed with a Speaker wanting to run for the office of the governor.

“I got into the House together with Obasa in 2003 and I left almost 10 years ago and he is still there. So, what next? It’s an acceptable ambition. Though you may ask yourself, the time is still so far, why getting the whole polity heated up over the issue of 2027? I don’t think it’s right.”

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Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has distanced himself from the impeachment of Speaker Obasa. Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in an interview 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 the separation of powers in the constitution, involving the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary.

Meanwhile, the state lawmakers declared their decision to impeach Obasa as an attempt to end the era of bad leadership, stating they could no longer tolerate his reign.

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Speaking to journalists Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers. Tobun emphasized that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.

“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,” Tobun said.

He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure. The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.

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Also, the impeachment of Obasa was described as a breath of fresh air by workers within the assembly complex. Some staff who spoke with pressmen said they were happy with the development.

Many of them complained about Obasa’s highhandedness in dealing with the assembly workers including their welfare.

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