Embattled Lagos ex-speaker Obasa lands in Abuja, desperate to meet Tinubu

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Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the troubled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, returned to Abuja quietly on Sunday night, igniting rumours that he was making a last-ditch effort to find peace and a political lifeline.

Our correspondent received confirmation from sources at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport that Obasa landed in the dark and without the customary security detail or retinue of aides that he used to have when he was the third most powerful person in Lagos politics.

Following a botched attempt to meet with President Bola Tinubu in the United Arab Emirates, Obasa has now arrived in the country’s capital. According to reports, the former Speaker, who was removed from office on January 13 after a majority of members decided to do so, was anticipating an audience with the President to salvage his political future.

During his recent travels, the former Speaker has visited several foreign countries. He took a plane to Atlanta, Georgia, on January 8, accompanied by a group of devoted lawmakers, the former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, and a woman referred to as “Madam Speaker.” However, reports disclose that in an attempt to protect his personal reputation, Obasa left his supporters stranded in different parts of the world, thus alienating those who had previously supported him.

The Lagos Assembly underwent a dramatic change with Obasa’s impeachment, which was approved by more than two-thirds of the House. The political reign of Obasa was successfully overthrown when 32 members elected his successor, Rt Hon Mojisola Meranda of Apapa 1.

Following his impeachment, Obasa, the former political tyrant of Agege and Lagos, is dealing with a number of difficulties. According to reports, he is aiming for a political settlement and wants to be exempt from the EFCC and ICPC investigations. According to his legal advisor, his impeachment is constitutional, and he should accept the House’s ruling and make a public statement recognising the development.

Attempts to organise a protest among party members and constituents in Agege were unsuccessful because Obasa was impeached by 90% of the Lagos lawmakers after being charged with serious misconduct and abuse of power. He was subsequently replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

According to political observers, Obasa’s troubles started when he established the Obasa’s Support Group, which he built in 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). Tensions were further heightened by his plan to give the Assembly the authority to dismiss the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and force Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sign the legislation. The Governor Advisory Council (GAC) became aware of his purported contempt for the governor and brought him to President Bola Tinubu’s attention.

Agege Constituency 1 is represented by Obasa, who was first elected in 2007 and has since been re-elected four times. He hasn’t, however, had a friendly working relationship with Governor Sanwo-Olu in recent years. According to reports, Obasa disregarded the GAC’s and President Tinubu’s cautions to avoid from using his position to advance personal interests.

Concerns within the party were aroused by his recent request to MPs to buy Christmas gifts for his political movement, which was seen as a clear violation of party rules and a further indication of his purported disrespect for the party’s internal regulations and leadership.

Regarding Obasa’s plans in Abuja, it’s still unclear if he would be able to get the meeting at Aso Rock that he so much wants. The mystery surrounding his next course of action is only increased by his unsuccessful attempts to meet with the President in Abu Dhabi last week.

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