Forceful Takeover Of Lagos Assembly Chambers: Obasa’s last dance of shame

On Thursday, the Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed a spectacle that should have been reserved for a bygone era of political dysfunction. Muddying the waters of democracy, Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted former Speaker, barged into the Assembly premises, aided by policemen (As seen in viral videos) and, with no regard for procedure or the will of his colleagues, declared himself Speaker once again.

This was not just a violation of constitutional norms—it was a brazen attempt to cling to power, even as the political tide turned against him.

Obasa’s audacity to force his way into the chambers and arrogantly assume the position of Speaker reflects a man who has no respect for the democratic process. His forceful entry, reminiscent of authoritarian antics, was not just an act of defiance but a loud statement that the rule of law is merely a suggestion in his eyes.

It’s as though he believes the Lagos State Assembly exists solely as his personal playground, where power is seized, not earned, and decisions are made by the strength of will rather than the fairness of consensus.

But what is truly shameful is not just the spectacle of one man trying to resurrect a political career that should have ended long ago. It is the wider implication of what this means for the integrity of the Assembly, for the democratic institutions of Lagos, and for the people who are supposed to be represented by these so-called leaders.

Whoever is gauging the broad daylight display of thuggery exhibited by Obasa and his gang of bandits is playing with fire—one that could engulf the Centre of Excellence in an inferno, consuming all in its wake. His brand of politics has no place in Lagos, a state that prides itself on being a model for others.

Obasa’s actions are a slap in the face to every voter who trusted that their elected officials would act in the best interests of the people, not in the pursuit of their own personal gains.

The brazen disrespect for the Assembly’s internal processes, the flagrant disregard for any semblance of civility, and the utter lack of accountability that Obasa has displayed leave no room for doubt—his last act in the Assembly is not a political maneuver, but a last dance of shame.

This is not leadership; it is an ego-driven attempt to prolong a tenure stained by scandal and controversy. It is a desperate grasp at relevance that leaves behind a legacy of tarnished reputation and fractured trust.

Obasa’s time has come and gone. It’s time for Lagosians to demand more than this; time to put an end to the cycle of political power grabs that only serve to further disenfranchise the people. His last dance, this public display of power and disregard, is not only shameful—it’s a warning that we must no longer tolerate thugs masquerading as leaders who think they are above the law. The people deserve better. Lagos deserves better.

Samuel Odusola writes from Kebbi State