The Refusal of Rt. Hon. Muda Obasa to Relinquish the Office of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly: A Deep Dive
The tenure of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been mired in controversy, with growing calls for accountability and transparency surrounding his refusal to vacate office.
While political maneuvering and public outcry have been at the forefront, a deeper look into budgetary allocations and expenditures linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly under his leadership has revealed alarming financial discrepancies.
A recent examination of the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (LSMEPB) website has uncovered inconsistencies in capital expenditures and allocations, raising serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and governance.
The findings not only cast doubt on the financial management of the legislative body but also suggest a possible motive for Obasa’s reluctance to step down.
Budgetary Allocations and Questionable Expenditures
A breakdown of the 2023 and 2024 financial year budgets for the Lagos State House of Assembly has brought to light stark variances between the approved allocations and actual expenditures. While official records present a structured fiscal plan, a detailed analysis reveals excessive spending, underutilization of funds, and potential misappropriation.
Key Budgetary Discrepancies (2023/2024 Fiscal Year)
Budget Item Budgetary Provision (₦) Actual Expenditure (₦) Variance (₦) Observations
Legislative Overheads 3,500,000,000 6,200,000,000 +2,700,000,000 Over-expenditure requires justification
Constituency Project Funds 5,000,000,000 2,500,000,000 -2,500,000,000 Underutilization raises accountability concerns
Office of the Speaker’s Allowances 1,200,000,000 3,500,000,000 +2,300,000,000 Excessive spending under scrutiny
Committee Oversight Functions 1,800,000,000 1,200,000,000 -600,000,000 Poor implementation efficiency
House of Assembly Welfare Packages 2,000,000,000 4,800,000,000 +2,800,000,000 Possible misappropriation of funds
The sharp rise in expenditure, particularly on the Speaker’s office and welfare packages, demands further scrutiny. The significant shortfall in constituency project allocations also raises questions about whether funds meant for grassroots development have been diverted.
Political Power Play and Resistance to Change
Obasa’s refusal to relinquish his position despite mounting controversies suggests an entrenched political strategy. The budgetary discrepancies indicate that a change in leadership could potentially expose further irregularities, making his hold on power all the more critical.
Reports suggest that strategic appointments, political patronage, and suppression of dissenting voices within the House of Assembly have been instrumental in consolidating his authority. This entrenched structure, if left unchecked, threatens to erode the principles of accountability and transparency that are essential for democratic governance.
Suspicious Capital Expenditures: 2023 and 2024
The capital expenditure breakdown for the House of Assembly reveals several questionable allocations:
Expenditure Item 2023 (₦) 2024 (₦) Total (₦) Observations
Construction of New Office Block 12,188,752,280.20 3,476,127,688.44 15,664,879,968.64 Recurring allocation raises concerns about project efficiency
Purchase of Backup Vehicles & Official Vehicles 13,332,950,408.90 – 13,332,950,408.90 High expenditure approved despite earlier budget cuts
Provision for Liaison Office in Abuja – 126,000,000.00 126,000,000.00 Redundant expense given Lagos State’s presence in Abuja
Purchase of Security Equipment 35,993,879.00 – 35,993,879.00 Lacks specificity on purpose
Institute of Democratic & Legislative Studies 23,990,000.00 5,990,000.00 29,980,000.00 Possible budget duplication
One of the most concerning findings is the recurrent allocation for the construction of a new office block, amounting to over ₦15 billion across two years. The necessity of this project, coupled with its repeated funding, raises concerns about transparency and financial discipline.
Additionally, a budget of ₦13.3 billion was allocated for the purchase of backup vehicles and official cars, yet questions linger over why this expenditure was sanctioned despite financial inconsistencies elsewhere.
Calls for Accountability and Independent Investigation
The financial irregularities uncovered in the House of Assembly’s budget highlight an urgent need for independent audits and investigations. Civil society organizations, anti-corruption agencies, and the Lagos State government must collaborate to demand accountability for these discrepancies.
Moreover, lawmakers and political stakeholders must prioritize institutional integrity over personal loyalty. The Lagos State House of Assembly should function as a body that upholds public trust, not as a tool for political entrenchment and financial mismanagement.
Conclusion: Will Lagosians Demand Accountability?
Rt. Hon. Muda Obasa’s refusal to step down as Speaker is more than a political power struggle; it is a test of governance and financial accountability in Lagos State.
The uncovered budgetary discrepancies suggest that beyond political drama lies a deeper crisis of fiscal irresponsibility and lack of transparency.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the critical question remains: Will Lagosians demand the accountability they deserve, or will political impunity once again prevail over democratic principles? Only time will tell.
