A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fouad Oki, has emphasized the necessity of Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing accountability and leadership concerns.

Oki expressed his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following Obasa’s removal. Obasa, a six-term APC lawmaker representing Agege Constituency I, was impeached on Monday over allegations of fraud. Mojisola Meranda, the deputy speaker, was subsequently elected to lead the assembly.

Describing the impeachment as inevitable, Oki accused Obasa of authoritarian behavior, likening him to an “emperor.” He argued that signs of Obasa’s downfall had been apparent for months, especially in light of his actions that undermined the legislature’s decorum and authority.

“He acted as though he was above reproach,” Oki remarked. “Over the past 18 months, it became clear that change was needed. Take, for instance, the events during the governor’s presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill. The governor and the party’s leadership were kept waiting for over four hours without explanation. When Obasa eventually appeared, he extended no courtesies, signaling a lack of respect and responsibility.”

Oki also suggested that the impeachment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s interest in maintaining Lagos as a model of stable political leadership. He disclosed that the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) had sought Tinubu’s intervention, which ultimately highlighted Obasa’s unwillingness to address concerns raised by party elders.

“The president, as a leader and father figure, intervened to mediate, but Obasa’s defiance became evident. This incident was a tipping point, making his impeachment unavoidable,” Oki concluded.

The development has been seen as a move to restore discipline and integrity within Lagos State’s legislative leadership while affirming Tinubu’s influence in the state’s political framework.