Lagos Assembly Cautions Obasa Over Speakership Claims

A statement signed by Mr Ogundipe Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly said it was imperative to clarify that over two-third of the legislative arm of government in the state are solidly behind the new Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda.

The lawmakers said nothing could change the decision taken to remove Mr Obasa, who was in the United States at that time.

On his return last week, Mr Obasa addressed the media and said he remained the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. At the briefing at his residence in the GRA area of Ikeja on Saturday, he challenged any leader in the state to tell Lagosians when and where he told them he wanted to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He also said it was not a sin not to nurse an ambition to lead the state come 2027.

“Having (an) ambition to become a governor is not a sin. Is it, however, I said it on the floor of the house when the budget was presented that I had no thoughts of governorship but that does not mean I am not qualified or that I lack experience and I still maintain that,” he said.

In response, Mr Olukayode said as elected representatives of the people of Lagos, the assembly members owe the public good governance and harmonious relationship with other arms of government.

Mr Obasa had reportedly kept the Lagos State Governor delayed for one hour before the budget presentation to flex his powers.

On his part, Mr Sanwo-Olu said he had no hand in the removal of the Agege lawmaker.

“The position of the house remains the same and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former Speaker, Mr Obasa is uncalled for and unparliamentary,” the House statement on Sunday said.

Mr Olukayode further explained that the majority of members elected Mr  Obasa as speaker for the 10th Assembly and later took a majority decision to remove him.

The lawmakers’ mouthpiece appealed to the former speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others.