I’ve resumed as Lagos assembly speaker, says Obasa

Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, says he has resumed his position as the parliament’s leader.

Addressing journalists at the assembly complex on  Thursday afternoon, Obasa insisted that his removal did not follow due process and, therefore, was not valid.

He argued that while impeachment is a constitutional and democratic process, it must be carried out following laid down procedures.

“I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic,” Obasa said.

Earlier today, Obasa arrived at the Lagos assembly complex, escorted by security aides.

Supporters of the ousted speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly gathered outside the assembly complex to demand his reinstatement.

Obasa was removed as speaker on January 13 while he was abroad, with Mojisola Meranda swiftly installed as his successor.

Upon his return on January 25, he was met with a large crowd of loyalists.

He has since challenged the legitimacy of his removal, maintaining that he is still the rightful speaker of the house.

Rumours surfaced that Meranda was under growing pressure to resign from her role as speaker.

Security personnel assigned to Meranda were withdrawn, fuelling the uncertainty surrounding the assembly’s leadership.