Lagos lawmakers impeach Speaker Obasa amid multibillion-naira fraud allegations

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, accusing him of multiple statutory and financial infractions. 

Mr Obasa was subsequently replaced by his deputy Lasbat Meranda. Mrs Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was also a former chief whip of the House. 

The removal came days after The Gazette reported how Mr Obasa oversaw the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for backup vehicles for lawmakers and other controversial activities.

Mr Obasa, 52, was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, resuming office alongside former one-term governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Repeated charges of fraud and political thuggery have marked his speakership. In 2020, Peoples Gazette published a series of investigations detailing how Mr Obasa diverted Lagos funds to his personal firms and bank accounts. Sahara Reporters at the time also uncovered Mr Obasa’s assets across Lagos.

He was invited to be questioned by the EFCC after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports of Mr Obasa’s mismanagement. He denied all allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives.

Details shortly…

Peoples Gazette