- Former Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa denies claims of spending N16 billion on a gate and N47 billion on vehicles, calling them baseless and politically motivated
- Obasa labels the allegations unrealistic, citing that each Hilux vehicle would cost N1 billion if the claims were true
- Despite the controversy, Obasa vows to continue working for the betterment of Lagos State and maintain his integrity
Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, dismissed allegations of corruption against him as unfounded and politically driven.
Obasa, who was removed as Speaker on January 13 over alleged misconduct and financial mismanagement, was succeeded by his former Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda.
Speaking at a welcome event held in his honour on Saturday in Ikeja GRA, Obasa refuted claims of financial impropriety, asserting that the accusations were baseless.
The former Speaker specifically addressed allegations that he spent N16 billion to construct a gate for the Assembly, labelling the claim as absurd.
“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcates the United States of America and Mexico,” Obasa stated.
He also dismissed reports that the Assembly purchased 45 Hilux vehicles for lawmakers at an inflated cost of N47 billion.
According to Obasa, such claims imply that each vehicle would cost N1 billion, which he deemed "unrealistic."
“They said we bought one Hilux bus for N1 billion each and that we bought 40 pieces for N40 billion. This is simply untrue,” he said.
Obasa criticised the process of his removal, arguing that it did not follow due legislative procedures.
He described the attempt as politically motivated, claiming it was orchestrated while he was out of the country.
“There was no impeachment process. What happened was a removal attempt that did not adhere to the House’s standing rules,” he emphasised.
Obasa noted that his decade-long tenure as Speaker and over 20 years as a lawmaker have been marked by dedication and service to Lagos State.
The former Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to defending his integrity and debunking all allegations against him.
“I am not disturbed, perturbed, or afraid. I will address these allegations head-on and prove my innocence,” he asserted.
Obasa called on lawmakers and stakeholders to protect the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly, urging them not to allow baseless accusations to tarnish its image.
He also referenced previous leadership transitions in the House, which he said were conducted peacefully and without external interference.
Appreciation to supporters
Obasa expressed gratitude to his supporters and party leaders, including the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu, who calls me his younger brother, and President Tinubu, who remains my father,” he stated.
“I have served Lagos State faithfully, and I will never partake in its destruction. My focus remains on contributing positively to our great state,” he concluded.
Despite the controversy, Obasa pledged to continue working for the betterment of Lagos State while upholding the dignity of the Assembly.
Obasa, Orji, 25 other ex-speakers of states’ houses of assembly that were impeached
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 26 ex-speakers of states’ houses of assembly who have experienced termination of their tenure.
The list includes Chinedum Orji in Abia State, Gboyega Aribisogan in Ekiti State, Paul Emeziem in Imo State, Isma’il Kamb in Kebbi State, Abok Ayuba in Plateau State, Frank Okiye in Edo State, and 20 others.