LAGOS POLITICS: "CAUTION OBASA AGAINST INCITING COMMENTS," ACTIVIST URGES APC

Nigerian civil and political rights activist, Dr. Wale Ajewunmi, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State to caution the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, against making inflammatory statements that could disrupt the peace of the state.

Dr. Ajewunmi issued this warning on Saturday in response to Obasa’s claim that he remains the Speaker of the Assembly, despite his removal by 32 out of 40 members of the House.

Following his return from Abuja, Obasa, addressing his supporters, insisted that his removal was unconstitutional and hinted at revealing his next course of action soon.

In his statement, Dr. Ajewunmi advised Obasa to tread carefully and avoid allowing himself to be misled by those encouraging him to resist the decision. "Obasa should not succumb to self-destructive tendencies encouraged by external influences," he remarked.

The activist clarified that the removal of a Speaker follows a different process than that of a governor and is firmly rooted in the constitution. "Section 92(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly stipulates that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate their position if removed by a resolution of not less than a two-thirds majority of the House members," he explained.

Dr. Ajewunmi dismissed Obasa’s claim that his removal lacked due process because he was not present in the House at the time. "It is not a constitutional requirement for a Speaker to be physically present in the chambers during their removal. The House is at liberty to change its leadership at any time, provided the two-thirds majority condition is met," he stated.

He referenced past instances, such as the removal of Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, where the Speaker was not present during the proceedings, yet the action was deemed valid.

Ajewunmi also highlighted that the word "impeachment" was not used during the motion or seconding of Obasa’s removal, reinforcing the legitimacy of the process.

"Obasa’s removal is constitutional and entirely valid," Ajewunmi concluded. "Instead of grandstanding or positioning for conflict, he should have appreciated his colleagues and handled the situation with grace."

The activist’s comments aim to de-escalate potential tensions surrounding the leadership transition in the Lagos State

 House of Assembly.