A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Fouad Oki, has called on the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to return to the legislature and focus on his responsibilities as a lawmaker.
This comes after Obasa’s impeachment last week, a decision he has contested, claiming it was carried out using a “fake mace.”
Despite the controversy, Mojisola Meranda has formally assumed the role of Speaker, occupying the office on Monday.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Oki advised the Agege representative to move on from the speakership saga and focus on legislative work for his constituency.
“Matters of the Lagos Assembly are past events. What has played out in Lagos is very clear: there is party organization and there are party conventions—unwritten rules or laws,” Oki stated.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the political hierarchy and checks and balances within Lagos politics.
“What has played out is a clear testament of what politics should be. Let us learn a few lessons from what has happened. For those who are yet to understand, in politics, there is hierarchy, control, checks, and balances. The events of last week have shown that.”
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Oki suggested that Obasa consider two paths forward: either resign and allow someone else to take over, or continue his role as a legislator without pursuing the speakership.
“Nothing he could do other than go back to the House and continue his job as a legislator. Another side to that is that he should throw in the hat and say, ‘I’ve had enough; let someone else take over from me.’”
He stressed that the impeached Speaker should not view the situation as shameful but as part of the political process.
“It comes and goes. It is gone. He should just continue his basic responsibility of participating in making good laws for the people of Lagos.”
Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment followed allegations of misconduct, though the specifics remain contentious.
Obasa has maintained that the process was illegitimate, further complicating the leadership transition in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, Mojisola Meranda, who replaced him, has begun settling into her new role, signaling a potential shift in the Assembly’s dynamics.
This development underscores the intricacies of Lagos State politics, where hierarchy, party structure, and internal conventions play critical roles.
Oki’s comments highlight the importance of adhering to these principles and moving forward for the benefit of governance and the people of Lagos.