Mary Onyia
The Lagos State House of Assembly, Monday, impeached the embattled Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over alleged financial misappropriation and lack of transparency in the management of the Assembly, and chose his deputy Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as his replacement. The Assembly also dissolved all House Committees.
Mojisola Lasbat Meranda represents Apapa Constituency I. With this development, she becomes the first female Speaker in the House’s history, with Fatai Mojeed as the Deputy Speaker.
In a motion for his impeachment under the matter of Urgent Public Importance by a member of the House Femi Saheed, accusing Obasa of poor leadership, gross misconduct, perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings, high handedness, and lack of regard for honourable members.
Others are a gross abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of honourable members by inciting members against one another in addition to practicing undemocratic and authoritarian leadership style in discharging his official duties, among other things.
Following the motion, 32 of the 40-member House voted in favour through a voice vote.
The impeachment ended Obasa’s long reign, which lasted about 10 years and was the longest since the inception of the House in the Republic.
Also affected was the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko. He has been replaced by Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun as acting Clerk of the House.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu will reportedly meet the new speaker and other principal officers soon.