admin In a shocking turn of events, the embattled Mudashiru Obasa, the former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has found himself embroiled in yet another legal controversy. A recent document from the Supreme Court of Nigeria has cast serious doubts on Obasa’s claimed legal credentials, raising questions about his legitimacy to hold the prestigious position of speaker.
The Supreme Court document, dated July 24, 2020, and signed by Gertrude Karenton-Mordi on behalf of the Chief Registrar, seems to suggest that Obasa’s name was not included in the Roll of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria. This revelation directly contradicts Obasa’s long-standing claim of holding a bachelor’s degree in law from the Lagos State University (LASU), which he obtained in 2006.
The document, titled “Re: Verification of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” was reportedly a response to a verification request made before the Supreme Court. In the document, the apex court advised Obasa to come forward with the relevant documents to register his name, as there was no record of him being a registered legal practitioner.
This development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as Obasa’s legal credentials have been a crucial aspect of his political career. As the former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wielded significant power and influence, and his position required a certain level of legal expertise and credibility.
The revelation of the Supreme Court’s response has raised serious questions about Obasa’s qualifications and the legitimacy of his actions during his tenure as speaker. It has also prompted a closer examination of his educational and professional background, with many wondering whether he had been misrepresenting his credentials all along.
Obasa’s Impeachment and the Allegations Against Him
The latest development surrounding Obasa’s legal credentials comes on the heels of his recent impeachment as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. On January 13, 2025, Obasa was unceremoniously removed from his position and replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.
The impeachment was the culmination of a series of allegations and controversies that had plagued Obasa’s tenure as speaker. Among the accusations leveled against him were financial misappropriation, financial impropriety, gross abuse of office and privileges, lack of transparency, and authoritarianism.
Obasa was also accused of being at odds with the state’s executive branch, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and of being absent from most state functions. These allegations, coupled with the growing discontent among the members of the state assembly, ultimately led to his downfall.
The lawmakers who voted to impeach Obasa cited his highhandedness, gross misconduct, lack of commitment to the legislative business, poor leadership, intimidation and suppression of legislative staff, and lack of regard for fellow lawmakers as the primary reasons for their decision.
The Implications of the Supreme Court Document
The revelation of the Supreme Court document raises serious concerns about Obasa’s legal credentials and the implications for his time as the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. If the document is indeed authentic, it casts a shadow of doubt over Obasa’s legitimacy to hold such a high-ranking position in the state’s legislative arm.
As the speaker, Obasa was responsible for overseeing the legislative process, presiding over debates and votes, and ensuring the proper functioning of the assembly. His role required a deep understanding of the law and a strong grasp of legal principles. The Supreme Court’s apparent refusal to recognize Obasa as a registered legal practitioner raises questions about his ability to effectively carry out these duties.
Furthermore, the allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office that led to Obasa’s impeachment also take on a new dimension in light of the Supreme Court document. If Obasa indeed lacked the proper legal credentials, it could potentially undermine the legality of the decisions and actions he took during his tenure as speaker.
Tinubu’s Involvement and the APC Chieftain’s Perspective
The Mudashiru Obasa saga has also drawn the attention of prominent political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a long-time political ally of Obasa, Tinubu’s role in the events surrounding the former speaker’s impeachment has been the subject of intense scrutiny.
According to reports, Tinubu had called a meeting to resolve the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which ultimately led to Obasa’s removal. Fouad Oki, an APC chieftain, has shed some light on Tinubu’s perspective on the matter.
Oki, who is known to be close to Tinubu, stated that the former Lagos State governor saw Obasa’s recalcitrant behavior and recognized the need for change. Tinubu, known for his pragmatic approach to politics, reportedly realized that Obasa’s continued presence as the speaker was no longer tenable and that a change in leadership was necessary to maintain stability in the state’s legislative arm.
Implications for the Political Landscape
This insight from an APC insider suggests that Tinubu, despite his long-standing relationship with Obasa, was willing to prioritize the broader interests of the party and the state over personal loyalties. It also underscores the delicate balance that political leaders must strike between maintaining party unity and ensuring good governance.
The Mudashiru Obasa saga has implications that extend beyond the borders of Lagos State. The revelation of his questionable legal credentials raises broader questions about the integrity of the political system in Nigeria as a whole.
If an individual with such a high-profile position could potentially misrepresent their credentials, it raises concerns about the prevalence of such practices across the country. This issue is not limited to the legislative branch but could potentially extend to other spheres of government, from the executive to the judiciary.
The Obasa case serves as a wake-up call for the need to strengthen the vetting and oversight mechanisms for public officials at all levels of government. It highlights the importance of thorough background checks, cross-referencing of credentials, and the establishment of robust systems to ensure the accountability of elected representatives.
Moreover, the Obasa saga underscores the critical role that the media and civil society organizations play in holding public officials accountable. The initial reporting by AriseTV and the subsequent scrutiny by various media outlets have been instrumental in bringing this issue to the forefront.
Moving forward, it is crucial that the media and civil society continue to vigilantly monitor the activities of public officials and expose any instances of misconduct or misrepresentation of credentials. This watchdog role is essential in maintaining the integrity of the political system and ensuring that the people’s trust in their elected representatives is not betrayed.
Transparency and Accountability in Public Office
The Obasa saga highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability in public office. As elected officials, lawmakers are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the best interests of their constituents and upholding the rule of law. When questions arise about the legitimacy of their credentials or the integrity of their actions, it erodes public trust and undermines the very foundations of a well-functioning democracy.
In the case of Mudashiru Obasa, the Supreme Court document has not only cast doubt on his legal credentials but has also raised concerns about the broader culture of political leadership in Lagos State. If the allegations against Obasa are found to be true, it would suggest a systemic problem that extends beyond a single individual and requires a comprehensive examination of the state’s political processes and institutions.
Moving forward, it is crucial that the relevant authorities and oversight bodies conduct a thorough investigation into Obasa’s background and the circumstances surrounding his impeachment. This investigation should not only focus on the specific allegations against Obasa but also explore the broader implications for the state’s political landscape.
The Lagos State government and the legislative branch should take proactive steps to strengthen the vetting and accountability mechanisms for public officials. This could include implementing more rigorous background checks, establishing independent oversight committees, and enhancing transparency in the decision-making processes.
By addressing these issues head-on, the state can begin to rebuild the public’s trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding the principles of good governance. This, in turn, will help to ensure that the individuals entrusted with public office are not only qualified but also possess the integrity and ethical standards necessary to serve the people effectively.
