Politics

Sanwo-Olu Finally Reacts To Obasa’s Impeachment

Sanwo-Olu Finally Reacts To Obasa’s Impeachment
  • PublishedJanuary 14, 2025

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has distanced himself from the controversial impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing the event as a “purely legislative matter.”

Speaking on Tuesday through his spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the separation of powers and dismissed allegations of his involvement in the political drama that led to Obasa’s removal.

Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency I and was serving his third term as Speaker, was ousted on January 13 over accusations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. His impeachment has generated ripples within Lagos’ political circles, particularly due to his previously strained relationship with the governor.

READ ALSO:

The tension between Obasa and Sanwo-Olu reportedly escalated in October 2023 when the assembly rejected 17 out of the governor’s 39 commissioner nominees. While both parties publicly denied any rift, the issue necessitated a “fence-mending” meeting orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).

Reacting to speculations about the governor’s alleged role in the impeachment, Akosile said, “The Governor is a democrat, a complete gentleman who doesn’t meddle in people’s affairs. I can’t remember him talking about any of the incidents that you mentioned. Nothing of such bothers him.”

He added, “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s interest and focus is how to develop the state further than he met it. This has been his major preoccupation since he assumed office as the governor of Lagos State and not to get himself involved in unproductive political skirmishes.”

Akosile stressed that the impeachment was solely a legislative decision, emphasizing, “Governor Sanwo-Olu believes strongly in the separation of powers. The action of the House was purely a legislative matter.”

Following Obasa’s removal, Mojisola Meranda, who previously served as his deputy, was elected as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Political analysts are watching closely to see how this power shift will impact governance in Lagos and the dynamics between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *