Why There Are Concerns About Ex-Speaker Obasa’s Next Move

Insiders insist that despite losing the speakership position of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa remains a powerful player in Lagos State politics.

There are growing concerns about his next move within the power circle of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly among those who orchestrated his removal.

Obasa, who had been Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015, was impeached on January 13, 2025.

Before his removal on that Monday, the state legislator—who has secured back-to-back re-elections since 2007—had built tremendous clout by helping cronies and allies attain strategic positions.

The former Speaker’s strategic collaborations were said to be so far-reaching that he enjoys backing across different political spheres in the state, including within the Governor’s camp.

Amidst talks of a gubernatorial ambition, Obasa was reportedly finalizing efforts to expand his influence in local councils when his impeachment occurred, according to insiders.

“He already has loyalists as heads of a number of local governments across the state. The talk is that, with the support of his people here and there, he was perfecting plans to increase their numbers when the impeachment happened,” sources say.

The Lagos State local government election is expected to take place in the first quarter of this year.

“The concerns are whether Obasa will be able to achieve this (keeping his men in Lagos councils and getting more on board) without being Speaker. Will he be able to retain the confidence of an appreciable number of his cronies and allies to execute a stunning comeback in any form? These concerns are especially heightened given the kind of politics the Governor is playing,” those in the know disclosed.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is set to leave office in 2027 after two terms of eight years, has adopted an easygoing approach to politics.

The Governor’s reluctance to assert himself in “state and political matters” created the opportunity for Obasa to amass significant influence and power, earning him the reputation of being the most active top-ranking politician in government before his ouster as Speaker.

“The fears are that if Sanwo-Olu sticks to his brand of politics and the Deputy Governor (Obafemi Hamzat) continues to stay in the Governor’s shadow to avoid rocking the boat, it will only be a matter of time before Obasa emboldens his allies and cronies to undertake a counter-political maneuver,” insiders say.

Though Deputy Governor Hamzat comes from a politically grounded family and possesses strong political connections to hold his own in any challenging situation, he has been deliberate in not outshining the Governor since their tenure began.

Those in the know claim that since his removal, Obasa—who was replaced by Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly—has limited his interactions to only those he trusts to protect his interests.

Insiders maintain that Obasa’s influence in the Lagos Assembly and beyond remains so entrenched that, without adequate support from “the powers-that-be” for the people who replaced him, it is only a matter of time before the status quo is overturned.