Mathew Amaechi
A civil rights activist, Dr. Wale Ajewunmi, has urged former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to refrain from making inflammatory comments that could destabilize the state. Ajewunmi also advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos to caution Obasa against harming the state’s peaceful atmosphere.
Obasa’s removal by 32 colleagues sparked the warning, as he claimed his ousting didn’t follow due process. However, Ajewunmi countered that the removal was constitutional, citing Section 92(c) of the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized that a Speaker’s removal differs from a governor’s impeachment, stating, “If he wants to compare himself with the position of the governor, then he has not been advised well”
Dr. Ajewunmi made the remarks in reaction to Obasa’s declaration that he remains the Speaker of Lagos despite his removal by 32 of his colleagues.
Obasa, who earlier received his supporters upon his arrival from Abuja, claimed that his removal did not follow due process. He also said Nigerians would know his next line of action in the coming days.
However, Ajewunmi warned that Obasa should not allow himself to be used by those urging him to self-destruction.
According to the activist, the removal of a Speaker is not the same as the impeachment of a governor.
“If he wants to compare himself with the position of the governor, then he has not been advised well,” he said.
Quoting the constitution, he added: According to section 92 (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly shall vacate his office if he is removed from office by a resolution of House of Assembly by the votes of not less than two-third majority of the members of the House.
Ajewunmi highlighted that Obasa’s absence during his removal didn’t invalidate the process, as the constitution doesn’t require the Speaker’s presence. He also noted that the word “impeachment” wasn’t used during the removal process, further solidifying the legitimacy of Obasa’s ousting.
The activist concluded by urging Obasa to acknowledge his removal graciously, rather than “grandstanding or positioning for a fight.”