What next for Obasa after his bitter end as Lagos speaker?

Mudashiru Obasa’s nearly decade-long reign as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly came to a dramatic end on Monday. Known as one of Lagos politics’ most controversial figures, Obasa’s removal was swift, and unanimous, and served as a reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change.

Obasa, currently vacationing in the United States, was accused of gross misconduct and abuse of office. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, wasted no time assuming his position as speaker, signalling a new era in the Lagos Assembly.

Read also: Who is Mojisola Meranda? The female lawmaker who replaces Obasa as Lagos speaker

A bitter fall from grace

For nearly a decade, Obasa ruled the Lagos Assembly with what many described as an iron fist. Once the third most powerful figure in the state, he now finds himself reduced to the role of an ordinary floor member representing Agege Constituency I.

As the chamber transitions its allegiance to Meranda, Obasa must navigate the murky waters of post-impeachment politics.

A legislative aide, who preferred to remain anonymous, painted a picture of Obasa’s sudden fall: “Yesterday, honourables and staff who once cheered Obasa began hailing the new speaker. It was shocking to see the loyalty shift overnight.”

Political consequences and lost privileges

Stripped of the perks and power of the speaker’s office, Obasa is now just another legislator. Gone are the front-row seats, the special recognitions, and the endless stream of goodwill gifts from ministries and private organisations.

For a man who once wielded influence across Lagos, the transition will be humbling. The question remains: will Obasa reconcile with his new reality or fight to reclaim his influence?

The ambition that cost him

Obasa’s political problems, observers say, stemmed from his ambition to contest for governor in 2027. Allegedly, he began building a grassroots network, the Obasa Support Group, across Lagos’ 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.

This move reportedly rattled party elders and powerbrokers, who viewed it as a challenge to the status quo.

His treatment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2023 budget presentation further exacerbated tensions.

A snide remark, “I am not too young or inexperienced to be governor and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there,” was seen as disrespectful, fueling animosity among party leaders.

Jide Ojo, a political analyst, captured the sentiment during his appearance on Channels Television: “This may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal.”

Corruption clouds over his legacy.y

Obasa’s tenure was riddled with allegations of corruption, including claims of financial irregularities and self-enrichment. From awarding contracts to himself using fronts to accusations of owning over 60 bank accounts, the thex-speaker’s name became synonymous with scandal.

Read also: Full list: Lagos assembly speakers from 1979 till date

Among the most outrageous accusations:

Spending N80 million on a training program for lawmakers’ wives in Dubai.

Allegedly allocating N44 billion for vehicles.

Misappropriating N15.6 billion for office construction.

Spending N17 billion on a gate for the Assembly complex.

While Obasa consistently denied these claims, dismissing them as politically motivated, his removal has reignited calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations.

What lies ahead?

Despite his impeachment, Obasa remains a formidable grassroots politician. However, his gubernatorial ambitions may now be on hold, if not permanently derailed.

Can he rebuild his political career from the ashes of his impeachment? Or will the fallout from his controversial tenure as Speaker end his aspirations for higher office?

For now, Lagosians are left watching the political chessboard, where a once-dominant player has been ousted, and new alliances are being forged. One thing is certain: Obasa’s journey in Lagos politics is far from over.