Obasa: One Year On, Leading with Diplomacy and Distinction

A news story about an earthquake struck the airwaves early on January 13, just as Lagos’ streets were beginning to awaken. Thirty-two of the forty members of the Lagos State House of Assembly dismissed Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker.

The departure of a Speaker often rarely resulted in front-page coverage in a national daily because such political expediency is taken for granted. The speaker is merely first among equals, after all.

Obasa, however, is not your typical speaker. Obasa is one of Nigeria’s most seasoned parliamentarians and the longest-serving speaker in Lagos history. He is a strong politician who has won difficult elections to join the House of Assembly since 2003 and has continuously given the party victories in his senatorial district and seat.

In addition, he is one of the most powerful grassroots politicians whose power goes beyond the Lagos West Senatorial district, which is thought to be the biggest in the state. Obasa, who served as head of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria from 2018 to 2020, was serving his third term as speaker, highlighting the fact that he had survived a number of political setbacks. Some members quickly and covertly ousted this Obasa, replacing him with his subordinate.

The removal’s masterminds emphasized a need for reform and misuse of office. The Assembly was in recess at the time, and Obasa was in the United States. He stated he didn’t mind getting taken away when he got back. But if you want to get rid of me, do it the right way, and I won’t argue. Therefore, I think I will continue to talk until the appropriate action is taken.

For Lagos State APC members and stakeholders, the months of January through March would go down in history as the most turbulent. Because perspectives on the legitimacy of the removal were so fiercely divided, everyone in the political corridor was literally treading carefully.

Despite the intense back and forth, accusations and counter-accusations, and suspenseful cliffhanger, Obasa, a skilled attorney, opted for procedure above personal retaliation.

On February 12, he filed a lawsuit through Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), his attorney, contesting his dismissal on the grounds that the House session was illegally called and lacked formal transfer of authority from the Speaker’s office. He accused Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, and the House of Assembly.

However, elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the APC’s highest advisory body in the state, intervened prior to the judicial intervention he requested.

In what is arguably one of the most spectacular comebacks in Nigerian political history, Obasa was reinstated as Speaker on March 3.

According to Obasa, the Assembly’s capacity to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and overcome internal obstacles is demonstrated by his reinstatement. “What is happening here today demonstrates that the Lagos State House of Assembly is very capable and a house of integrity—a mature house with internal mechanisms to resolve issues in the interest of our party and the institution,” he stated. He reassured Lagos residents that the legislators were dedicated to serving and defending their interests.

Obasa made it plain that he would carry his lawsuit through to the correct interpretation of the law regarding the removal of a speaker, despite requests for him to drop it.

Judge Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja ruled on April 16 that Obasa’s removal was unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid. The Assembly’s January 13 activities and resolutions were likewise declared void by the court.

In fact, what was intended to demystify him has instead elevated him. However, Speaker Obasa was diplomatic and accommodative rather than arrogant. The court’s ruling “reinforces the desire for us as members of the House to move ahead in unity and harmony and continue to work for the good of our people, our beloved Lagos State, and Nigeria,” he said, urging his colleagues to let the past go. “This is a victory for the Lagos House of Assembly as an institution and for our current and future members,” Obasa continued.

An incident that was meant to put a gap between him and his colleagues has further unified them in the common goal of legislating for the state’s progress, possibly due to his legislative depth, strategic insight, and uncompromising safeguarding of institutional integrity.

Since then, the plenary has resumed with full attendance and enthusiastic involvement from every member. Obasa’s leadership of the assembly after his restoration is noteworthy since it did not show that he felt deceived by the people he referred to as “brothers and sisters.” Instead, he has led with distinction and diplomacy while remaining kind and approachable.

When a special plenary session was conducted in June to commemorate his tenth anniversary as speaker, this reconciliation became apparent. All of the members praised his excellent leadership and hailed his term as impactful, prodigious, and progressive.

In order to honor Speaker Obasa’s efforts, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi Isolo Constituency 2) proposed the creation of a legislative institution and an annual legislative awards ceremony. He claimed that Speaker Obasa is a prime example of tenacity, maturity, and focus in legislative leadership. He continued by saying that Obasa’s ability to handle current internal difficulties with poise and expertise demonstrates his unmatched leadership abilities.

Obasa was praised as “the greatest speaker of our time” by Hon. Owolabi Ajani (Lagos Mainland constituency 1), who claimed that no legislator in Africa could match his legislative skill. Hon. Ajani emphasized Obasa’s “doggedness and tenacity in getting things done,” adding that it is not surprising that certain party and state stakeholders refer to the speaker as the “strength and the pillar holding up this institution.”

“Whenever a new bill is brought to the floor, the speaker will always put the citizens first,” said Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere Constituency 1), who praised the speaker’s unwavering commitment to making sure that all legislative activities eventually benefit the people of Lagos State. In order to leave a legacy of information for future legislators, the filmmaker-turned-lawmaker persuaded Obasa to write a book detailing his legislative experience and ideas.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) affirmed the speaker’s impact on the Assembly and emphasized the necessity of immortalizing Obasa’s leadership journey through the institute’s founding and the awards ceremony.

In response, Speaker Obasa expressed his gratitude to God, his parents, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the residents of Agege, his constituency, for their significant contributions to his political career. “They have always supported me since I joined the House in 2003. He said, “Almighty Allah used people for me, whatever I became today.”

“My colleagues, without your support, there is no way I can serve for ten years,” said Speaker Obasa. We can all learn a lesson from whatever transpires between us. The residents of Lagos value this mansion just as much as we do. I simply ask that you prioritize the House as a token of appreciation. I am able to speak because of your support. I am grateful for this honor.