By Sunday Ani
Member representing Agege State Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has again been elected as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly for the consecutive time.
Obasa who was first elected as Speaker during the Eighth Assembly in 2015, was reelected during the Ninth Assembly in 2019 and now, he has again been elected for the third time, making him the first to achieve the feat in Lagos, and possibly in Nigeria.
He is also noted to be the longest serving state legislator in Nigeria, having won election into the state legislative house first in 2003 and has remained in the House ever since then.
Obasa’s emergence followed Tuesday’s proclamation and inauguration of the 10th Assembly by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He was unanimously elected by the 40 members in the House after he emerged as the sole nominee to the position. Hon Adewale Temitope Adedeji, (Ifako Ijaiye) nominated him while Hon Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe 2), seconded the nomination.
In the same vein, Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda representing Apapa 1 was also elected the deputy speaker of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly. Her election followed a unanimous decision by the 40 members after Olusola Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) nominated her to assume the position.
Proclaiming the 10th Assembly, Gov Sanwo-Olu described it as a momentous occasion that symbolises not just the continuity of the state’s democratic journey, but also the vital role of the legislative power in the system of governance.
He described the legislature as an indispensable pillar of democracy, saying, “It plays an essential role in the journey we have embarked upon. It is the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of our people, a crucial partner in the quest for good governance, and a custodian of our shared democratic values.”
The governor maintained that he was neutral in the selection process of the House leadership, insisting that his interest lies in how the House could work together with the executive, irrespective of who assumes what role, to fulfill the shared responsibilities to the people of Lagos State. “Each one of you, regardless of position, brings unique value and perspective to this assembly, and it is through our collective efforts that we will achieve the extraordinary.
“As we look to the future, let us remind ourselves of the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect. The Executive and the Legislature are partners in this democratic journey. Our shared goal is to create a Lagos where everyone thrives, where opportunities abound, and where our cultural diversity propels us forward,” he stated.
In his acceptance speech, Obasa promised to work with the Executive for greater progress of the state. He said: “We cannot achieve greatness working in isolation. Therefore, I encourage all the branches of government to work together in harmony to ensure that we build a Lagos State that we can all be proud of. Together, we have an opportunity to build a better Lagos; a Lagos that provides equal opportunities for all; a Lagos that is safe and secure, and a Lagos that is a model for sustainable development in Nigeria and the world.”
He also promised that the 10th Assembly would promote and strengthen legislative institutions from state to local government level. “The 10th Assembly would also be recommitted to the establishment of a Centre for Democracy and Legislative Studies The Assembly would review the old laws with a view to bringing them to modern reality, especially laws that established agencies and parastatals that are no longer viable; and to re-jig our regular legislative consultation; as well as ensure prudent fiscal and financial policies through robust and engaging legislation,” he said.
The Speaker also warned that the sanctity of the legislature as an independent body was adequately provided for in the Constitution in accordance with the principles of separation of powers, and as such, no other arm of government would be allowed or permitted to interfere with the functioning and independence of the legislature in a manner that would make the legislature become subservient or subordinate. “It must be underlined that in any constitutional democracy, the legislature must be allowed to operate independently, especially in line with the Section 101 of the Constitution, which confers on it the power to regulate itself, without violation. I stand ready to work with the 10th Assembly, collaborating to drive impactful policies, and foster an environment, where the hopes and dreams of every Lagosian can be realized,” he submitted.
The Majority Leader of the House and the Deputy Majority Leader, were nominated by the Speaker and through a voice vote, both of them were unanimously approved. They are Hon Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa 1) and Hon Damola Kasumu (Ikeja 2).
Also, the Chief Whip and the Deputy Chief Whip, Mojeed Fatai (Lekki 1) and David Setonji (Badagry 1) emerged through the same process as the Majority Leader and the Deputy Majority Leader.
They took oath of office and oath of allegiance after which the remaining lawmakers followed suit, thereby bringing onboard the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly.
In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Meranda promised that the 10th Assembly would not disappoint Lagosians, even as thanked all that graced the occasion.