Thirty-two of the 39 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly voted on Monday to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from office.
If this was an examination, that would be an excellent mark. But more than arithmetic, that overwhelming majority vote speaks to the height of Obasa’s infamy and the disaffection by the assemblymen against him.
Obasa is said to be away in the United States of America when he was removed. Three of his staunchest loyalists in the House were also with him on the trip.
The profiles of the seven lawmakers in total who did not vote for his impeachment:
1. Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1)
Akinsanya is a two-term lawmaker representing Mushin Constituency 1. He was elected in 2019 to replace Hon. Funmi Tejuosho.
During his first term, Akinsanya was appointed as Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development. When he was re-elected for the second term in 2023, Akinsanya was made the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts (Local).
He has also been a member of various House committees, including Economic Planning & Budget, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Finance, Health/Primary Health Care, Housing, Local Government Community, Rural and Chieftaincy, and Legislative Compliance.
2. Hon. Lukmon Olumoh (Ajeromi/Ifelodun 1)
Olumoh is a second-term lawmaker representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency 1 since 2019. He replaced Hon. Dayo Famakinwa, who only spent four years (2015-2019).
During his first term, he was the Chairman of the House Committee on Public-Private Partnerships. He also served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget before the impeachment of Obasa.
3. Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams (Former Majority Leader)
Adams represents Eti-Osa Constituency 1. He joined the House following the demise of former lawmaker Kazeem Alimi, who died after a brief illness.
Before his appointment as the Majority Leader in 2023, he served as Chairman of Legislative Compliance. In the history of the Lagos Assembly, Adams holds the record for being the only Majority Leader whose tenure was short-lived.
4. Hon. Emmanuel Olotu
Olotu is a new member who was elected in 2023. He represents Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency 2.
He was the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.
5. Hon. Shabi Adebola
Adebola is also a newcomer who was elected into the House in 2023 from Lagos Mainland 2. He replaced Hon. Moshood Oshun, who currently serves in the House of Representatives.
He was Chairman of the House Committee on Environment before the impeachment of Obasa. Adebola is a staunch loyalist of Obasa since his election into the House.
6. Hon. Damola Kasunmu (Former Deputy Majority Leader)
Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, a member of the All Progressives Congress, was the Deputy Majority Leader of the 10th Lagos House of Assembly, representing Ikeja Constituency 2.
First elected in 2015, he has served in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Committees on Land and Youth, Sports, and Social Development.
7. Hon. Ege Oluwasegun
Ege Olusegun Adebisi represents Ojo 1 Constituency in the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly.
He was first elected to the House in 2023 and held the position of Chairman of the House Committee on Housing.
Breaking News:Former Lagos Speaker Ikuforiji Says Obasa Became Too Comfortable in Leadership Role
Ikuforiji stake on Obasa’s impeachment
A former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has described the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as a result of complacency and neglect of his colleagues. Speaking on Monday during an interview with News Central, Ikuforiji stated that the outcome was predictable given recent events within the Assembly.
Obasa, who had represented Agege in the House since 2003, served as Speaker for nearly a decade before his removal on Monday. Ikuforiji noted that Obasa’s long tenure in office made him overly comfortable and led to strained relationships with other members.
‘The Speaker’s Seat is Hot’
“The seat of the Speaker is a very hot one,” Ikuforiji remarked. “One should not get complacent with it or take it for granted. It’s the contribution of all the other 39 members that make your seat comfortable. If any of them feels bad with you or is aggrieved, your seat is getting shaken already.”
Ikuforiji highlighted that all legislators are equal in a parliamentary setting and cautioned against treating colleagues as subordinates. He attributed Obasa’s downfall to losing sight of this balance.
“When you start seeing your colleagues as subordinates or feel that you have become larger than life, it becomes very dangerous. The Parliament is one where everyone is equal. Leadership in the House should not lead to complacency or arrogance,” he added.
A Predictable Downfall
Reflecting on the developments that led to Obasa’s impeachment, Ikuforiji noted that the signs were evident. “With events that have been unfolding over time, it’s not out of place to expect that there will be a change of pattern in the leadership of the House,” he said.
He expressed sadness at the manner of Obasa’s removal, acknowledging his long service but emphasizing the importance of humility and collaboration in leadership roles.
“I felt very sad yesterday (Monday) seeing the reaction across the board. It wasn’t the best for a Speaker who had been on the seat for almost a decade,” Ikuforiji lamented.
Lessons for Future Leaders
Ikuforiji’s remarks serve as a cautionary tale for leaders in legislative roles. His insights underscore the importance of maintaining mutual respect and humility, regardless of one’s position in the Assembly.
