Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has dismissed corruption allegations leveled against him, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Obasa, who was removed from his position on January 13 over alleged misconduct and mismanagement of funds, was replaced by his former deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda.
Speaking at a welcome event held in his honor on Saturday in Ikeja GRA, Obasa described the claims against him as false and aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The event was attended by supporters from Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe local government areas.
One of the allegations involved spending ₦16 billion to construct a gate for the Assembly. Refuting this claim, Obasa said, “Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with ₦16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico.”
He also addressed claims that the House purchased 45 Hilux vehicles at an inflated cost of ₦47 billion, saying, “How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for ₦1 billion each? That is unrealistic.”
Obasa insisted that he had done nothing wrong, adding, “I have been a lawmaker for over two decades, and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House. For me, I am not disturbed, perturbed, or afraid. I will address these allegations head-on and prove my innocence.”
Regarding his removal, Obasa argued that due legislative procedures were not followed. He said, “There was no impeachment process, only an attempt to remove me when I was out of the country. If you want to do anything, do it well. Lagos is a special place; we cannot denigrate the state.”
The former Speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly. “I believe in the image of our institution. We must not destroy it, and I will never partake in its destruction,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to various leaders, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he referred to as his father.
Obasa also thanked his supporters and party leaders, vowing to continue working for the betterment of Lagos State while defending his name. “I appreciate everyone who has stood by me. I will continue to serve Lagos State with dedication,” he added.
The former Speaker concluded by urging stakeholders to protect the Assembly’s integrity and ensure that leadership changes are handled peacefully and in accordance with the law.
