Joe Igbokwe backs impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, calls it long-overdue

Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly supported the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), calling the decision “long overdue.”

The 52-year-old Obasa was removed from his position on Monday, January 11, 2025, over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office. The Assembly members have since appointed Mojisola Meranda, the representative for Apapa 1 State Constituency, as the new Speaker of the House.

Igbokwe took to his Facebook page to announce the development, writing, “The deed is done in LAHA!!! Hon. Mudashiru Obasa impeached as Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly for gross misconduct and abuse of office. Hon. Mojisola Meranda Ojora is the new Speaker.”

In a more detailed comment under his post, Igbokwe elaborated on the tensions that had been simmering between Obasa and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He stated that Obasa’s refusal to cooperate with the governor had been a consistent issue, which strained their professional relationship.

According to Igbokwe, attempts to reconcile Obasa and Sanwo-Olu had failed repeatedly. He revealed, “He (Obasa) was on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s neck for years. Every attempt to persuade him to work with the Governor fell on deaf ears. Many interventions by GAC (Governor’s Advisory Council) members did not help matters.”

READ ALSO: Obasa: Police arrest “APC” youths at Lagos Assembly

Mudashiru Obasa, who had been serving as Speaker since 2015, has been a significant figure in Lagos politics, wielding considerable influence within the Assembly.

However, his tenure has been marred by various controversies, including allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of power, which ultimately led to his impeachment.

Sources close to the matter suggest that the strained relationship between Obasa and Sanwo-Olu had been a source of continuous friction, with the former Speaker often challenging the governor’s policies and decisions.

Igbokwe’s remarks align with these reports, pointing to the deep-rooted tensions that even interventions from influential members of the APC could not resolve.

With Obasa’s removal, many political observers are speculating about the potential impact on the dynamics of Lagos State politics and the future of the Governor’s office.