A political analyst, Professor Busuyi Mekusi has explained why removal of the former speaker of Lagos state, Mudashir Obasa was questionable.
The crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly deepened on February 17, further plunging the legislative body into turmoil. The Assembly has remained in the spotlight since January 13, following the removal of its Speaker, Obasa.
In the letter, the Assembly’s management informed security agencies of credible intelligence regarding a plot to forcibly reinstate Obasa.
Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, Mekusi argued that barring the impeached Speaker from accessing the House would be unjust.
He said, “Well, Obasa’s initial removal was as Speaker, and it would be wrong for them to deny him the responsibility of representing his constituency. So, they cannot banish him. If they do, it means they are acting on a particular recommendation.
“I am not aware that they have taken him through the process of investigation and provided him with the constitutional requirement of a fair hearing. Fair hearing is a constitutional right, and anyone acting contrary to such a process is acting in an ultra vires manner.”
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Mekusi stated that denying lawmakers access to represent their constituents is undemocratic.
“I mean, such cannot be allowed in a democracy. If they were afraid that Obasa’s resumption of duty would stabilize the House of Assembly, it shows that Obasa is still very relevant and popular—and that could potentially reverse what they have done.
“I also think this lends credence to the claim that Obasa’s removal was a kangaroo process, especially since it was carried out while he was away in the United States. Obasa himself has cited this as one of the grounds for revisiting the matter.”
Furthermore, he maintained that Nigerians may not have witnessed the final act of the unfolding drama in the esteemed Lagos Assembly.
“He wanted him present in the chamber during the trial and the decision-making process. If they fear Obasa’s presence in the House of Assembly chamber, it means Obasa is not easily dismissed.”
Furthermore, the professor stated that Obasa’s declaration that he is not too young to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state was not wrong within a democratic system.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that Obasa’s intention to contest the upcoming governorship election in Lagos played a vital role in his removal as Speaker.
He noted, “I’m not sure Obasa has committed any offence by having the ambition to become governor of Lagos State. However, politically speaking, some people may believe that the best way to counter him is to clip his wings, especially if they also have ambitions or are supporting someone else for the position.
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“There are rumours that he has President Bola Tinubu’s backing, but Tinubu’s popularity and influence in Lagos existed even before he became President or Commander-in-Chief. If Obasa indeed has Tinubu’s support, as suggested, it means he will not only return as Speaker but may also have the latitude and leverage to position his allies as things unfold, given his claim of being qualified.”
According to him, if Obasa could serve as Speaker for three consecutive terms, it demonstrates not only his political experience but also his expertise in manpower management.
He said he possesses the qualities needed to govern the diverse interests that make up Lagos State.
Professor Mekusi further stated that Lagos politics operates in a manner that prevents individuals outside the established power bloc from emerging.
“We saw how Obanikoro tried, and how Funsho Williams even had to die in the process. We witnessed how Akinwunmi Ambode was elevated and later brought down by unseen forces, and how Babajide Sanwo-Olu benefited from Ambode’s downfall. So, the center may not hold, as Tinubu—the former Lagos State Governor—is different from the one who is now President.
“The GAC and opinion leaders in Lagos have to align their views with Tinubu as far as Lagos politics is concerned. Whoever enjoys Tinubu’s backing will become the Lagos State Governor. Obasa could wait; if people like Sanwo-Olu and Ambode could rise from obscurity to become governor, how much easier would it be for someone who has been in the political arena for years?”
