Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, Desmond Elliot, has opened up on why he supported the January 2025 impeachment move against Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, revealing that lawmakers believed the action had the backing of the Presidency.
Newsonspot reports that while speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the lawmaker explained that he signed the impeachment document based on the understanding that influential political authorities were aware of and supported the process.
According to Elliot, he was outside the country when the political crisis erupted within the Lagos State House of Assembly. He disclosed that he had travelled to South Africa alongside his wife during the legislative recess to attend a family wedding when news of Obasa’s removal reached him.
The actor-turned-politician said that upon his return to Nigeria, a significant number of lawmakers had already endorsed the impeachment move, creating the impression that the process had the approval of the Presidency.
Elliot stated that he joined other lawmakers in signing the document because many members believed the action was backed by top political figures.
He, however, noted that the situation later changed after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly clarified that he neither approved nor supported the removal of the Speaker.
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Following the President’s position, lawmakers were directed to reverse the decision and restore Obasa as Speaker of the House.
Elliot also expressed disappointment over comments allegedly made by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, suggesting that his role in the impeachment saga almost caused political problems for him.
The lawmaker said he found the remarks surprising, especially considering his longstanding political relationship with Gbajabiamila.
The Lagos Assembly leadership crisis began in January 2025 after lawmakers voted to remove Obasa while he was reportedly outside Nigeria. Members of the Assembly accused the Speaker of misconduct, abuse of office, authoritarian leadership style, and alleged financial irregularities within the legislature.
Following his removal, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was elevated to the position, becoming the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa, however, rejected the impeachment, insisting that due constitutional procedures were not followed.
The development triggered weeks of political tension, legal disputes, and interventions from senior figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress before the crisis was eventually resolved with Meranda stepping down and Obasa returning as Speaker.
