Impeached Obasa presides over Assembly proceedings under supervision of CP Moshood Jimoh – Lagos Youths
By KEMI KASUMU
The Assembly of Lagos Youths has reacted to Thursday’s charade in Lagos State House of Assembly Complex singularly performed by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Ajaiyi Obasa with the new Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, aiding his breaking into the Assembly chamber by providing him a retinue of police operatives as witnessed.
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Its reaction was contained in a statement titled, “RE: WITHDRAWAL OF HON. LASBAT MERANDA’S SECURITY AIDES BY CP MOSHOOD JIMOH – A CALL FOR DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY IN LAGOS STATE”, signed by Lasisi Robert on behalf of the Assembly and circulated to the press on Friday.
While insisting that the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives be respected, the group, which called on leadership of the party in Lagos State and Presidency to intervene and stop the ugly tide, vowed that any attempt to subvert Nigerian democracy under whatever disguise as seen in Lagos Assembly must be firmly resisted.
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The statement read in details, “The political landscape of Lagos State has never witnessed such turbulence as the current crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly. It is deeply concerning that, despite his removal from office by an overwhelming two-thirds majority, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa continues to preside over legislative proceedings with the backing of security personnel, under the supervision of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh.
“It is imperative to reiterate that Hon. Obasa is no longer the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. His removal was carried out in accordance with democratic principles, and the majority of Assembly members have unequivocally expressed their decision to move forward under new leadership. However, recent developments, particularly the withdrawal of security aides attached to Speaker Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda and the reinstatement of Hon. Obasa’s security details, are not only undemocratic but also a direct affront to the rule of law.
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“This blatant disregard for due process undermines democratic governance and raises serious concerns about impartiality within the Nigerian Police Force. It is unacceptable for security agencies to selectively enforce decisions in a manner that favors one individual over the collective will of the Assembly. By restoring Hon. Obasa’s security aides without a court order while withdrawing those of Speaker Meranda, the police appear to be taking sides in a legislative matter that should be resolved within the confines of the law. This raises the question: who is backing Hon. Obasa?
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“Hon. Meranda’s emergence as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is a historic milestone. Her leadership presents a unique opportunity for Lagos State to set a precedent of excellence and inclusivity in governance. Ensuring a smooth transition of leadership will not only strengthen the legislative process but also support Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in delivering on his campaign promises to the people of Lagos State.
“The events of February 27, 2025, have cast a shadow over the integrity of the Assembly, threatening to plunge the state into political instability. The actions of Hon. Obasa in forcefully reclaiming his position undermine the authority of the legislative institution and disrupt the democratic process. It is now imperative for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to address this situation and uphold the rule of law.
“Furthermore, reports suggesting that security aides of prominent traditional rulers, including Oba Gbolahan Oniru and Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, have also been withdrawn signal a broader political maneuver that could have far-reaching consequences. If these reports are accurate, they risk setting off a chain of events that could destabilize governance in Lagos State.
“In response, the Assembly of Lagos Youths, representing the interests of the state’s indigenous communities, is committed to safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that due process prevails. The intransigence displayed by Hon. Obasa suggests a larger agenda—one that could ultimately threaten the stability of the Sanwo-Olu administration and alter the political dynamics of Lagos State in favor of external influences. The Ibile Eko Youths, representing the five divisions of Lagos (Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island), will not stand idly by as democracy is undermined.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the Presidency, the Inspector General of Police, and well-meaning Nigerians, to intervene and uphold democratic norms in Lagos State. The will of the people, as expressed through their elected representatives, must be respected, and any attempt to subvert democracy must be firmly resisted,” the statement said.
