Lagos Assembly Names Four New Principal Officers After Obasa Ouster

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday named four new principal officers, following the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday.

Mr Obasa, who was ousted as Speaker in absentia, a position he has held for the last nine years, was replaced by Mrs Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa 1).

Mr Obasa was impeached on Monday over alleged gross misconduct by 32 out of the 40 members.

The Clerk of the House, Mr Lekan Onafeko, was also suspended over alleged gross financial impropriety.

The House also dissolved all the standing committees inaugurated by the former speaker.

On Friday, Mrs Meranda, while presiding over plenary as Speaker, said the appointment of new officers arose from the change in the leadership of the House.

“The House has named Mr Temitope Adewale (APC-Ifako-Ijaiye 1) as the new Majority Leader, while Mr Adedamola Kasunmu (APC- Ikeja 1) is the new Deputy Majority Leader.

“This House has also named the Chief Whip, Mr Setonjo David (APC-Badagry 2), while the Deputy Chief Whip is now Mr Babatunde Saani (APC-Kosofe 2),” she said.

Before Mr Obasa’s impeachment, Mr Mojeed Adams was the Majority Leader, while Adedamola Kasunmu was the Deputy Leader.

Mr Mojeed Adams, the new Deputy Speaker, was the former Chief Whip, while Mr Setonji David was the Deputy Chief Whip.

Business Post reports that three lawmakers, primarily Mr Obasa, Mr Adams and Mr Akinsanya, were absent at the first plenary presided over by the new leadership.