A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos State, Fouad Oki, has publicly urged Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, to either resume his duties in the Assembly or step down completely. Oki’s statement comes in the wake of Obasa’s controversial impeachment last week, which has led to an ongoing dispute over his claim to the position of Speaker.
Obasa, who represents the Agege constituency, has vehemently rejected his impeachment, arguing that it was carried out using a fake mace. Despite this, Mojisola Meranda, who assumed the position of Speaker following Obasa’s removal, formally took office this Monday. The impeachment and the subsequent leadership shift have sparked debates and raised questions within the Assembly and across political circles in Lagos.
Oki, appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, addressed the situation, urging Obasa to move on from the controversy and either return to his legislative duties or voluntarily resign. Oki pointed out that Obasa, as a member of the Lagos Assembly, should continue contributing to the legislative process just as other lawmakers do. He stressed that the events surrounding Obasa’s impeachment were part of a broader political process, and there should be no shame in moving forward.
“Matters of the Lagos Assembly are past events,” Oki stated. “What has played out in Lagos is very clear: there is party organization, and there are conventions—unwritten rules or laws—that govern how things are done.” According to Oki, these conventions dictate how control and checks and balances function within Lagos politics, and Obasa should accept the situation as it is.
Oki further advised Obasa to either focus on his duties as a legislator or take the bold step to resign, acknowledging that political roles come and go. He emphasized that the most important thing now is for Obasa to contribute positively to the legislative process, making good laws for the people of Lagos. “It’s gone,” Oki added, encouraging Obasa to move forward and continue his service to his constituents.
This statement from Oki comes as the political atmosphere in Lagos remains tense, with the leadership of the State House of Assembly still being a point of contention. The conflict highlights the intricacies of internal party politics and leadership transitions in Nigerian governance, especially within the legislative body.