The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced plans to investigate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa following allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement.
Olukayode Ogundipe, the House spokesperson, revealed this in an interview with The Punch, stating that the investigation will begin once Obasa returns to his duties at the Assembly.
Ogundipe mentioned that while the specific allegations against Obasa would be addressed when he resumes, other concerns regarding the spending of significant sums of money would also be looked into.
He emphasized that some of the records of these expenditures are unclear, but the Assembly intends to take appropriate action once Obasa is present.
When asked whether the Assembly would file a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ogundipe stated that the decision would be made once Obasa is back.
He explained that a committee might be set up to handle the investigation or the matter could be addressed by the House leadership, following the proper procedures.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 by over two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly over alleged misconduct and financial mismanagement. However, Obasa has denied these charges, claiming his removal was improper and asserting that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
Ogundipe has stood by the legality of Obasa’s removal, insisting that it followed constitutional procedures. He reiterated that the House is awaiting Obasa’s return, after which further actions, including the potential probe, will be determined.
Ogundipe added, “Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa is still one of us, and the process of his removal was in line with constitutional provisions. The procedure followed was in full compliance, and the members acted based on what they witnessed. We have simply changed the guard, as allowed by the constitution.”