Lagos 2027: Speaker Obasa shoots himself in the foot

By Ibidapo Balogun

He has always carried on like an emperor, holding the Lagos assemblymen by the jugular and bestriding the House like a colossus. His word is law; for him there is no room for disagreement, talk less dissent. Any lawmaker who crosses his path must fall. Recall the fate that befell some lawmakers who disagreed with him notwithstanding the fact that they were once his close allies. Any member who dares to eye the speakership seat under any guise must kiss the canvas. Yet, as Speaker of the House of Assembly, he is just first among equals.

Like he treats the lawmakers, Speaker Mudasiru Obasa has also oftentimes dared Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, just the same way he did to Akinwunmi Ambode who came before Sanwo-Eko. In his overt bid to enforce and protect the independence of the Legislature, Obasa had always driven roughshod over the state Chief Executive.

However, it would appear that with his conduct and utterances last Thursday on the floor of the House, Obasa’s cup is full and seemingly pouring down.
The way and manner he treated Governor Sanwo-olu who came to present the 2025 budget to the House left much to be desired to say the least. It is condescending to say the obvious.

Firstly, he discountenanced the arrival of Governor Sanwo-olu who came in while he was delivering his speech. Though coming behind schedule for the budget presentation is condemnable, Obasa, however, should have accorded the governor the respect he deserves and that is due to his office.

Secondly, as if that is not enough Obasa, in his speech, took grandstanding overboard.
He said that even if he didn’t not hail from popular Lagos families like that of Eleko, Onikoyi, Oniru, etc, he remains a bonafide citizen of Lagos from the Obasa family of Agege, a veiled challenge to others believed to be in the Lagos 2027 governorship race to indicate where they come from. This was interpreted by some analysts to mean a potshot at Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, said to be eyeing 2027 Lagos governorship, though he has never indicated interest in the race. Many have come to Seyi’s defence and condemned Obasa for his outburst.
Obasa also said he was qualified for the governorhip like Raji Fashola, Ambode and Sanwo-olu, but that contesting for the office is not his priority at present.

With his conduct and ill-advised utterances, some analysts and commentators are of the view that Obasa may have shot himself in the foot. Their sense is Speaker Obasa has bitten more than he can chew and his political future may now be in jeopardy.
Looking into the crystal eyeball, one or two things may happen to him going forward. One, Obasa may have pushed the 2027 governorship away from him even if he was in contention before. Two, even his days as Lagos Speaker may have also been numbered. If any of these happens, Obasa has no one but himself to blame.