Lasbat Meranda Named New Speaker
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa following accusations of financial and statutory misconduct.
Mr. Obasa, who had been at the center of several controversies during his tenure, was replaced by his deputy, Lasbat Meranda. Mrs. Meranda, a representative of Apapa Constituency 1 and former chief whip of the Assembly, now assumes the role of Speaker.
The impeachment occurred days after reports from The Gazette revealed that Mr. Obasa approved the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for backup vehicles for lawmakers, alongside other contentious expenditures.
Sources confirm that Mr. Obasa, 52, was in Atlanta, Georgia, at the time of his removal.
Elected as Speaker in June 2015 alongside former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr. Obasa’s leadership has been plagued by allegations of corruption and political malpractice. In 2020, investigative reports by The Gazette and Sahara Reporters exposed how he allegedly funneled Lagos State funds into personal businesses and accounts.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had invited Mr. Obasa for questioning following a series of media exposés. Despite denying all allegations, no charges were filed after his appearance before the anti-corruption agency.
Mrs. Meranda’s ascension marks a new chapter for the Lagos Assembly as it seeks to restore public confidence amidst ongoing scrutiny.