By Suleiman Ibrahim.
A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has attributed the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly to his disrespect towards Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and party leaders. Ojo described the situation as an “own goal” inflicted by Obasa upon himself.
The analyst highlighted that Obasa’s behavior during the presentation of the 2025 budget figures was particularly disrespectful to Governor Sanwo-Olu. Obasa allegedly kept the Governor and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) waiting for several hours without offering an apology.
Ojo also noted that despite intervention attempts by President Bola Tinubu, Obasa remained defiant. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Ojo elaborated on the issue.
He stated, “On social media, many suggested that Obasa was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the budget presentation, especially when he made a remark implying he was not too young or inexperienced to be governor and more qualified than some current officeholders.”
Such remarks were perceived as a direct affront to a sitting governor. Ojo emphasized that, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly, one does not have immunity and holds the position at the discretion of fellow members.
Ojo speculated on Obasa’s motivations, suggesting that his actions, including keeping the governor and party elders waiting, failing to apologize, and showing defiance despite the President’s involvement, led to his downfall. He concluded, “This may have been a self-inflicted own goal.”
On Monday, Obasa was impeached by his colleagues in the Lagos State House of Assembly over allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office. He was replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.
