Former Speakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Olorunnibe Mamora and Hon. Sabit Ikuforiji, have endorsed the recent impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
Both affirmed that the process was constitutional and appropriate, further solidifying the legitimacy of the removal.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of the 40 lawmakers in the Assembly while he was in the United States. He was replaced by Mojisola Meranda following allegations of fraudulent practices and abuse of office.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Obasa rejected the impeachment, claiming it was unconstitutional and lacked due process. He challenged his accusers to present evidence of their allegations, asserting that all expenditures during his tenure were well-documented.
In a statement, Mamora highlighted Section 92 of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to impeach a Speaker. He stated that the process adhered to this provision, regardless of the veracity of the allegations.
Mamora also noted that disrespecting the office of the Governor, if prove, would be unacceptable, given the Governor’s position as the state’s chief executive.
Hon. Ikuforiji, speaking on Arise Television, dismissed Obasa’s claims that his removal was politically motivated. He argued that the Constitution does not require lawmakers to provide reasons for removing a presiding officer, emphasizing that a simple majority vote is sufficient.
“The lawmakers don’t need to give any reason for removing the Speaker. Even if they decide based on something trivial, like the Speaker wearing powder, they can remove him. It’s constitutional,” Ikuforiji stated.
Ikuforiji urged Nigerians to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, clarifying that only the impeachment of executives, such as the President or Governors, requires a rigorous process and a two-thirds majority.
