By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The reinstatement of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, just 49 days after his impeachment, has sparked widespread reactions, with critics describing it as a setback for democracy.
Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. However, in a dramatic turn of events, his successor, Mojisola Meranda, resigned, paving the way for his re-election on March 3, 2025. The development has left many questioning the integrity of the state’s legislative process.
A prominent political figure from Kosofe Local Government, Oloye Salami Oluwaseun, labeled the event as a “show of shame, a dark moment, and a mockery of democracy.” Similarly, Omoba Awofeso Rasheed Ololade dismissed the reinstatement as “political shenanigans,” stating that governance must continue despite the controversy.
For Temitope Bilesanmi, the situation reflects the complexity of Nigerian politics. “If anyone explains Nigeria to you and you understand, that person didn’t explain it very well,” he quipped.
Another Kosofe resident, Atitebi Dauda Ayinde, framed Obasa’s return as historic. “Mudashiru Obasa has made history in Africa as the first Speaker to be impeached and then reinstated,” he noted.