Obanikoro slams Adefuye over utterances on Obasa’s removal

Former Minister of State for Defence and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro has slammed Senator Anthony Adefuye for backing former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. 

It would be recalled that on January 13, 2025, Obasa was removed by 32 members of the Lagos Assembly for alleged high-handedness, financial misappropriation, lateness to plenary and abuse of office. He was replaced with his deputy, Rt (Hon) Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker.

Obasa on his arrival to Lagos was welcomed by his supporters at the Speaker’s lodge in GRA, Ikeja where he claimed to still be the Speaker of the House, saying his removal did not follow the due process.

However, Senator Adefuye, a member of the GAC reportedly backed Obasa, agreeing with the former Speaker’s claim that his removal had been illegal.

Adefuye was reportedly said , “What he is saying is that he was illegally removed and the procedure was faulty, and I agree with him.”

Reacting over his colleague stance on Obasa’s removal, Obanikoro described the comment ascribed to the former lawmaker as unnecessary, expressing disappointment over Adefuye’s decision to speak publicly on the matter.

“It is irresponsible of any member of GAC to go public with personal opinions on such a sensitive issue, especially when the GAC, as a unit, has not made any pronouncement on the matter,” Obanikoro stated.

According to him, issues of such magnitude should be handled with caution and only after the official position has been made clear.

Obanikoro urged members of the GAC to refrain from making public statements based on their privileged positions and called for unity and respect within the party.

The GAC, the highest decision-making body of the ruling APC in Lagos, plays a crucial role in the party’s decisions, including candidate selection and party management.