From Speaker to Spectator: The Meteoric Rise and Scandalous Fall of Mudashiru Obasa
Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was once a towering figure in Lagos State politics, an embodiment of political cunning and survival. Born on November 11, 1972, in Agege, Lagos, his journey into politics began at the grassroots level when he served as a councilor in Agege Local Government in 1999. This early taste of power set him on a trajectory that would see him rise through the ranks of the Lagos political system, buoyed by strong alliances and an astute ability to navigate political currents.
By 2007, Obasa had secured a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Agege Constituency I. His influence grew steadily, and by June 2015, he achieved a significant milestone when he was elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. His tenure saw him become one of the most powerful lawmakers in Lagos, wielding immense influence over legislative affairs, budgeting, and political appointments.
But beneath this impressive political journey lay a network of alleged corruption, financial impropriety, and scandals that would ultimately lead to his downfall.
The Corruption Allegations That Wouldn’t Go Away
Even at the height of his power, whispers of corruption and financial recklessness trailed Obasa. These allegations, which he repeatedly denied, came to a head in 2020 when an investigative report accused him of operating over 60 bank accounts under a single BVN—an indication of massive financial irregularities.
It was alleged that he approved N258 million for printing invitation cards for House activities and an additional N80 million for an overseas trip to Dubai, which was later exposed as fictitious. The public outcry was deafening, and the Lagos Assembly was forced to conduct an internal investigation. However, in what many saw as a cover-up, the House exonerated Obasa of all allegations, declaring him innocent.
Yet, the cloud of corruption continued to hang over him.
By October 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began an official probe into Obasa’s financial dealings. When he was summoned for questioning, he allegedly pretended to be sick to stall the interrogation. But a deeper investigation uncovered that N1.1 billion had been deposited into his personal accounts within one week in 2019.
The revelations were damning, but once again, Obasa survived, leveraging his deep-rooted political connections to remain in power.
The N17 Billion “Gate” Scandal
If previous allegations had been questionable, the scandal that rocked the Lagos State Assembly in December 2024 was outright outrageous.
It was revealed that Obasa had allegedly allocated N17 billion for the construction of a single gate at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex. The staggering amount led to nationwide outrage, with many questioning how a gate could cost more than the budget of some Nigerian states.
Obasa, in his defense, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming that his detractors were attempting to ruin his chances ahead of the 2027 elections. But by this time, his credibility had already been severely eroded.
The EFCC reopened its investigations, and members of the Lagos Assembly, wary of the growing controversy, began plotting his removal.
The Dramatic Impeachment: The End of an Era
By January 2025, the tides had turned decisively against Obasa. The Lagos State House of Assembly, under intense pressure, convened an emergency session on January 13, 2025, where lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to impeach him on charges of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
His downfall was swift and unceremonious. Within hours of the impeachment vote, his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was sworn in as the new Speaker, making history as the first female Speaker in Lagos State history.
What Next for Obasa?
Obasa’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale of how unchecked power and corruption can lead to a dramatic downfall. For over a decade, he had wielded power with near-absolute control, dodging multiple allegations and controversies. But in the end, his sins caught up with him.
While he may attempt to make a political comeback in the future, his impeachment and the EFCC’s ongoing investigations could see him facing serious legal battles that may ultimately land him in prison.
The rise and fall of Mudashiru Obasa serve as a lesson for Nigerian politicians: no matter how powerful one may seem, corruption will always leave a trail that cannot be erased.
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