Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa continues to face mounting allegations of corruption that have cast a shadow over his tenure. Critics, anti-corruption organizations, and opposition figures have accused Obasa of financial mismanagement, excessive spending, and abuse of office, with no substantial actions yet taken to address these claims.
Recent reports from People’s Gazette revealed that the Lagos State House of Assembly, under Obasa’s leadership, allocated over ₦43 billion for "back-up vehicles for honourable members" between January 2023 and the third quarter of 2024. This expenditure, part of a broader ₦90.5 billion disbursed on controversial projects, has sparked widespread criticism from Lagos residents, who question the Assembly’s priorities amid significant economic challenges.
Budget documents indicate that the Assembly spent ₦30.1 billion on vehicles in 2023 and ₦13.3 billion during the first three quarters of 2024. Critics argue that these amounts—averaging ₦1.1 billion per lawmaker—reflect a misuse of public funds.
Obasa’s tenure has been dogged by corruption allegations, including reports of maintaining over 60 bank accounts allegedly used to siphon public funds. In 2019, People’s Gazette disclosed suspicious foreign exchange transactions totaling $2.4 million (₦1.1 billion) purportedly funneled through personal accounts and investment schemes.
In October 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) summoned Obasa for questioning over fraud allegations. Despite evidence of financial impropriety—ranging from inflated contracts to misappropriated Assembly funds—the EFCC has yet to take decisive action. Civil society groups, such as the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CISNAC), have organized protests demanding accountability, but progress has remained elusive.
Obasa has consistently denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated. At a recent plenary session, he ridiculed claims of spending ₦17 billion on a gate as “spurious and funny” and rejected accusations of allocating ₦200 million for a non-existent thanksgiving service. He attributed the allegations to political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
Critics, however, view these defenses as unconvincing. In 2020, a House panel dominated by Obasa’s allies cleared him of wrongdoing, a decision widely criticized as biased and lacking credibility.
Anti-corruption advocate Olanrewaju Suraju has urged the EFCC to act decisively, warning that the Speaker’s actions erode public trust and undermine the integrity of the legislature. “The revelations underscore an urgent need for mechanisms to enforce transparency and accountability in public office,” Suraju stated.
Despite the controversies, Obasa’s position appears secure, bolstered by strong political alliances and a perceived culture of impunity. As Lagos State gears up for the 2027 elections, the Speaker’s continued leadership underscores deeper governance and accountability issues within Nigeria’s political system.
Observers await further developments, as pressure mounts on anti-corruption agencies to respond. For many Lagos residents, the unfolding scandals highlight a disconnect between political leadership and the pressing needs of the populace
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