The Many Woes of Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda’s Throne, By Bolaji Israel
The impeached former Speaker of the Lagos State Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is a politician who significantly impacted the political landscape of Lagos for many years before his disgraceful fall from grace.
His relevance and authority in Lagos’ political affairs were never in doubt as he grew increasingly powerful, rising from a fledgling political actor who became a lawmaker on June 4, 2007, to becoming the Speaker and an influential leader in 2015 until his abrupt downfall on January 13, 2025.
Having led the state’s legislative body through the tenures of Governors Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the current administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obasa had clearly evolved into a figure of immense power. As the saying goes, too much power can intoxicate, much like strong drink.
Footage of him at social gatherings, where he distributes bundles of naira notes to praise singers and is accompanied by a retinue of aides and a large crowd, illustrates the extent of his influence. His words became law, and crossing him meant courting the wrath of Lagos.
However, this dynamic has dramatically shifted with his fall from grace. His former Deputy, Mojisola Meranda (née Lawal), is now establishing herself as the new leader and first female Speaker of Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos. The public support she has received from her fellow lawmakers affirms their newfound choice.
From meetings with the State Executive Council, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to consultations with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC)—a powerful group of influential political leaders—the message is clear: there is a new sheriff in town, and she is gaining acceptance across various quarters.
On January 27, Meranda officially assumed office as Speaker, receiving strong backing from her colleagues. Accompanied by assembly members, she made her way to the complex in a show of solidarity.
Obasa’s reign as Speaker has come to an end. His attempts to rally support with his loyal Agege band of paid supporters will not alter the outcome.
His claims of an unconstitutional removal have been firmly rejected. Lawmakers have clarified that his impeachment followed due process.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe Okukayode, Chairman of the Committee on Information, issued a statement reaffirming support for the new Speaker, Hon. Lasbat Mojisola Meranda. He stated, “The position of the House remains unchanged. The assertions made by former Speaker Rt. Hon. Obasa are unwarranted and unparliamentary.”
Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh, a former deputy majority leader, emphasized that the rules for removing a Speaker nationwide require a two-thirds majority. In a 40-member house, that equates to 27 or 28 votes.
The recent arrest of two lawmakers—Hon. Olanrewaju Sulaiman Afinni and Hon. Sylvester Senu Ogunkelu—believed to have orchestrated Obasa’s ouster, following a petition from the former Speaker, adds another layer to this unfolding drama. However, this ill-fated move may only serve to unite the embittered lawmakers around Meranda—a questionable judgment on Obasa’s part.
Tensions escalated on Thursday when about 30 lawmakers visited the DSS office in a show of solidarity, demanding the release of their detained colleagues. They insisted that if any should be held, it should be all or none. Although the DSS detained the protesting lawmakers, they were later released. This turn of events will unlikely benefit Obasa.
Mrs. Meranda, nearly 45 years old, is significantly younger than the 52-year-old Obasa, but she is no pushover. This marks her fourth term in the assembly, and she enjoys strong support, with over 32 members signing her predecessor’s impeachment.
Elected in 2015 from the Apapa constituency, Meranda previously chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. She was re-elected in 2019, serving as Chief Whip, and was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2023.
Currently, she is one of four women in the state legislative chamber, alongside Stella Osafile, Sangodara Rotimi, and Omolara Olumegbon. Her ascension comes at a time when calls for increased female representation in political leadership are growing, and she is likely to receive support from those advocating for women’s empowerment.
Her royal pedigree, having been born into the prominent Ojora and Oniru families, will also aid her in establishing roots quickly, provided she navigates her path wisely.
Her late father, Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, was a lawmaker and later became the Ojora of Lagos, while her mother hails from the Oniru family. Additionally, her brother, Abdulwasiu Lawal, served as the Commissioner of Agriculture in Lagos State and is the current Oniru of Iru Kingdom.
Meranda’s path is clearly defined, and barring any drastic changes, she is on track to solidify her position as a significant player in the state’s political arena. She must, however, manage key issues such as fostering collaboration between the executive and legislative branches, ensuring trust and transparency in legislative processes, navigating complex party politics, and building consensus among her colleagues to avoid the pitfalls that befell Obasa.
Regarding Obasa, many have cited various reasons for his downfall. During the impeachment saga, Lagos lawmakers alleged financial misconduct, abuse of power, and other issues. Political analysts pointed to his power intoxication and heavy-handedness. His condescending tone towards Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also noted as typical of someone wielding excessive power. As the saying goes, “He whom the gods want to kill, they first make mad.” Obasa’s comments about his eligibility to contest for the Lagos governorship during Sanwo-Olu’s annual budget presentation on November 21, 2024, were deemed tactless and politically damaging.
He remarked, “Becoming governor is secondary; it is something I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”
Some believe that Obasa’s ambition for the 2027 gubernatorial race led to his ousting, as he became increasingly ambitious and influential, which unsettled the political balance in Lagos.
Regardless of perspective, Obasa’s missteps were inevitable. His growing influence within the Bourdillon political circle led him to overreach. Over time, he became blinded by wealth, fame, authority, and the allure of power, neglecting to exercise caution. His demeanour and remarks reflected a sense of entitlement cultivated by his power. As the Yoruba proverb goes, “Muda yo tan, o nwa bekun bekun” (Muda became so full of power that he began to court trouble).
Since his historic fall, Obasa’s situation has only worsened. He must seek a swift political remedy; otherwise, a more significant decline seems unavoidable.
Following his impeachment, controversy arose over his claim to be a Legal Practitioner, Solicitor, and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This issue had been a point of contention during his tenure as Speaker. A petition was submitted to the Supreme Court to verify Obasa’s claims, which the Court dismissed, stating his name was never on the Roll Call.
With his departure from the influential position of Lagos Speaker, Obasa has also forfeited a critical platform to influence the selection of the next Governor of Lagos and the allocation of power for the 2027 political era.
While some assert that Obasa remains in President Bola Tinubu’s good graces, others argue he may have fallen out of favour with the President. This change implies that even a potential federal appointment for Obasa in 2027 is uncertain, contrasting with the period leading up to the 2024 elections when he was well-positioned for a federal lawmaker slot or ministerial role.
Finally, it is an open secret that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been poised to investigate Obasa for numerous corruption cases. His power as Speaker and proximity to the Federal seat of power are suspected to have shielded him from immediate scrutiny. With recent developments, it may not be surprising to see the EFCC turn its attention to the former Speaker for corruption investigations.
As the situation evolves with various plot twists, it remains to be seen how the Obasa saga will unfold now and into the 2027 power struggle.
