By DAYO ADESULU
Political Tension Escalates as Youths, Groups Call for Arrest of Former Speaker
LAGOS – The political landscape in Lagos State is experiencing heightened tension following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex advisory body in the state, remain divided over the process that led to Obasa’s removal.
Prominent GAC members, including Senator Musliu Obanikoro and Senator Anthony Adefuye, expressed conflicting views on the embattled former Speaker’s impeachment. While Adefuye labeled the process “illegal,” Obanikoro described Adefuye’s remarks as “careless” and warned against making premature statements.
GAC Members at Odds Over Obasa’s Impeachment
Senator Adefuye, a GAC member, voiced his support for Obasa, asserting that the procedure leading to the impeachment was flawed. “What he is saying is that he was illegally removed, and the procedure was faulty, and I agree with him,” Adefuye stated.
In response, Senator Obanikoro criticized Adefuye’s remarks, labeling them as irresponsible. “It is unbecoming for any member of such a privileged body to publicly comment on sensitive issues without an official statement from the GAC,” Obanikoro said. He added that such comments undermine the unity and hierarchy within the council.
GAC Secretary Calls for Calm and Internal Resolution
The GAC Secretary, Mr. Mutiu Are, emphasized that the ongoing issues would be resolved internally, describing the matter as a “family affair.” Are refrained from taking sides but assured that the council would employ its established mechanisms to address the crisis.
“As an elder, I’m not supposed to take sides. We will resolve this because the GAC, being the apex advisory organ, has the capacity to handle such matters,” Are stated.
Lagos Youths Declare Obasa’s Impeachment Final
Reacting to Obasa’s claim that his removal was unconstitutional, the Assembly of Lagos Youths, led by convener Mr. Lasisi Robert, insisted that the former Speaker remains impeached.
“Mudashiru Obasa stands impeached, and there is no going back. His actions have not represented Lagos’ best interests, and his recent statements could incite anarchy,” Robert stated. The group also called for heightened security at the Lagos State House of Assembly to prevent potential unrest.
Groups Demand Arrest of Obasa for Alleged Misconduct
A socio-political group, Lovers of Lagos, has demanded the arrest of Obasa, accusing him of unlawfully occupying the official residence of the Speaker. In a statement by its Secretary-General, Yinka Olatunji, the group described Obasa’s return to the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja GRA as a “show of shame.”
“Since his removal, the official residence no longer belongs to him. His return has raised concerns, and we urge the police to intervene to avoid any potential chaos,” Olatunji said.
Political Uncertainty in Lagos
Obasa, who had been in Abuja since January 18, 2025, reportedly attempted to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reverse his impeachment but was unsuccessful. With 32 out of 39 lawmakers backing the decision, Obasa’s removal was finalized on January 13, 2025.
His return to Lagos has reignited political tension, with critics and supporters closely monitoring the unfolding drama.