Lagos Assembly Lauds Obasa’s Decade of Progressive, Prodigious Leadership

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have unanimously commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for his decade-long leadership of the state legislature, describing his tenure as progressive, prodigious, and deeply impactful. The lawmakers also proposed the establishment of a legislative institute and an annual legislative awards ceremony to commemorate the milestone.

Obasa, who marks ten years as Speaker this June, is the longest-serving head of the Assembly in its history. By the end of his current tenure in 2027, he would have served in the position for 12 years, surpassing the record of his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who led the House for nine years and four months.

Despite a temporary setback earlier this year—when he was briefly removed from office by some colleagues before being reinstated in March—Obasa continues to enjoy widespread support within the House. Lawmakers cited his resilience and leadership qualities as reasons for his continued relevance and authority.

During plenary on Tuesday, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II) moved a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance to institutionalise Obasa’s legacy through the proposed legislative institute and annual awards. He described the Speaker as a resilient and mature leader whose handling of internal challenges showed uncommon focus and wisdom.

The motion received unanimous support, as member after member stood to eulogise the Speaker’s contributions to legislative development in Lagos State. Lawmakers praised his ability to maintain the independence of the House while advancing legislation that directly impacts the people.

Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja Constituency II), highlighted Obasa’s transformation over the years from a “good listener to a great and actionable listener,” noting that his ability to serve as teacher, father, and brother to his colleagues speaks to his emotional intelligence and foresight.

Hon. Owolabi Ajani (Lagos Mainland Constituency I) described Obasa as “the greatest speaker of our time,” asserting that his legislative achievements are unmatched across the continent. He noted that Obasa’s doggedness and political influence make him a central figure in the continuity and strength of the institution.

Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere Constituency I) praised the Speaker’s people-oriented leadership, stating that Obasa consistently ensures that the interests of Lagosians are prioritized in legislative deliberations. Elliot also urged the Speaker to write a book documenting his legislative ideology and journey for posterity.

Echoing the sentiment, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) emphasised the need to immortalise Obasa’s leadership with lasting institutions like the proposed legislative institute and awards, which he said would also inspire future lawmakers.

In his response, Speaker Obasa expressed deep gratitude to God, his parents, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Agege Constituency, who he said have stood by him throughout his political journey since 2003. He also thanked his colleagues for their steadfast support, acknowledging that his longevity in office would not have been possible without them.

“My colleagues, without your support, there is no way I can serve for 10 years,” Obasa said. “Whatever happens between us is a lesson to all of us. The value of this House is not only important to us but to the people of Lagos. The only thing I ask for as a commemorative gift is putting the House first.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the legislature and upholding its integrity, as members applauded the motion to honour his decade of service.