Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Minister, Olorunnibe Mamora, has affirmed the constitutionality of the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.<\/p>\n
Mamora\u2019s statement comes in response to Obasa\u2019s claim that his impeachment was unconstitutional and did not follow due process. Addressing his supporters on Saturday, Obasa maintained that the allegations against him were unsubstantiated and emphasized his extensive experience as a six-time elected member since 2003.<\/p>\n
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of the 40 Assembly members over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds. He was replaced by his former Deputy, Mojisola Lasbat-Meranda.<\/p>\n
Mamora, who served as Lagos Assembly Speaker from 1999 to 2003 and held ministerial roles under President Muhammadu Buhari, explained the constitutional process of removing a Speaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe who must come to equity must come with clean hands. That\u2019s my position,\u201d Mamora said, adding that the Constitution clearly distinguishes between impeachment and removal. \u201cImpeachment connotes formal allegations of wrongdoing against a public officer, which must be substantiated before removal. However, the removal of a Speaker is straightforward and only requires a motion supported by two-thirds of the members.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mamora cited Section 92 of the Constitution, which states that a Speaker shall vacate their seat if a motion of removal is supported by not less than two-thirds of the House members. \u201cThe Constitution does not even require the allegations to be confronted or explained. It\u2019s a simple process because the Speaker is just the first among equals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Addressing Obasa\u2019s impeachment, Mamora stated, \u201cObasa was impeached and removed because there was a presentation of allegations, as I watched on television. The House acted in consonance with Section 92 of the Constitution. Whether the allegations were true is for the Assembly members to determine, but the process was constitutional.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mamora also weighed in on reports of Obasa allegedly disrespecting the Governor of Lagos State. \u201cIf it is true that Obasa disrespected the office of the Governor, that would be unacceptable. The Governor is the chief executive and deserves respect from all quarters,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The former Minister clarified common misconceptions about the terms impeachment and removal, emphasizing that they are not synonymous. \u201cThere could be impeachment without removal. For instance, President Clinton was impeached but not removed. However, our Constitution focuses on removal, particularly for the Speaker, through a straightforward process requiring two-thirds support from the members,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Mamora concluded by urging all parties to respect constitutional provisions and maintain decorum in their conduct. The Lagos State Assembly\u2019s decision has continued to spark debates within political and social circles in the state<\/p>\n