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 GUILTY AS CHARGED?

The Many Sins of Embattled Ex-Speaker Obasa

The embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, is facing increasing scrutiny as multiple allegations of misconduct and corruption continue to surface. From questionable financial dealings to accusations of abuse of office, Obasa’s tenure has become a focal point of controversy. Critics have raised concerns over his management of public funds, while investigations into alleged fraudulent activities are reportedly underway.

One of his many sins in the Lagos State House Assembly is the controversial relationship between him and his alleged mistress, Adenike Ajibosin, a lady who became known by the tag 'Madam Speaker' and whose influence spread across all the arms of government in the House. New revelations from lawmakers and staff within the Legislative House paint a picture of her unchecked power and influence within the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA).

A ranking lawmaker (name withheld) told a few journalists within the Assembly that Adenike Ajibosin, despite holding no elective position, was considered the most powerful figure in the Assembly during Obasa’s tenure. Allegedly, she not only enjoyed lavish gifts and benefits but was also instrumental in decision-making processes, exerting influence over key legislative actions and financial allocations.

"She was so influential that for my colleagues to see Obasa to approve some things for them, they would have to pass through her. Commissioners and other officials in the executive arm often by-passed committees of the House in preference for her. If she didn't support a thing, just forget it; that thing won't see the light of day.

"I am telling you that Nike had input in every activity of the House. Any event that we organised here, she was always a core figure and centre of focus," the senior lawmaker lamented.

Adenike's prominence went beyond behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Eyewitnesses reported that she frequently attended official functions, often presented as Obasa's "chief of staff" despite lacking any formal role within the state government aside being the former Speaker's Adviser on Foreign Relations, an elevation she got from being a Protocol Officer. Her public appearances, sometimes accompanying Obasa to high-profile events, further fueled speculation about her control over Assembly affairs.

A former lawmaker who remains aggrieved with the system run by Hon. Obasa, gave further details saying Ms. Adenike wielded disproportionate power, largely due to her alleged relationship with Hon. Obasa. "Known for her influence over the Speaker, Adenike became a key figure in the Assembly, with her approval sought by lobbyists, contractors, and favour-seekers. We all know how she used her position to secure personal gains, and her home was often crowded with those seeking favours linked to the Speaker.

"Go and find out, Nike's power created a climate of fear within the Lagos Assembly, with even lawmakers reluctant to challenge her for fear of incurring her wrath," the former lawmaker said.

Obasa, as Speaker, is accused by his colleagues of using his Adenike as a conduit to funnel public funds into personal vaults. The former Speaker's colleagues claim that Obasa orchestrated multiple high-budget events, under the guise of Assembly functions where massive sums of money were siphoned off with Adenike reportedly at the centre of the operations. One of these was the Christmas party which the accusers claim was organized with several millions of naira.

"Let me also tell you, some of the events often billed as "welfare programmes" for legislative members were nothing more than a cover-up for the mismanagement of public resources. Instead of benefiting the people, the funds ended up enriching Obasa and his close associates, with Adenike enjoying the spoils. Many of us, as old as we are, were scared of going to the Speaker's office because of how he would look at us or respond to us. He would first keep us in the waiting room for many minutes or sometimes over an hour. Sometimes, we will be talking to him on confidential matters and Adenike would be there looking at us," a lawmaker said on the day Obasa was removed from office.

It was allegedly speculated that Adenike recently got a property in the Lekki axis of Lagos state. "If I am not making a mistake, she would be richer than some lawmakers. She amassed so much wealth," a lawmaker told journalists at the House.

"Remember last Monday when Obasa was removed as Speaker, he was said to have travelled to America. Do you even know if he was in the company of Adenike? while some elected members are not. I am telling you that lady has so much money and influence within and outside the Assembly during Obasa's regime. If the EFCC were to question Obasa, Adenike would also be investigated," the lawmaker added.

The scandal doesn’t end there. As Obasa's grip on the Assembly tightened, he got accused of pocketing "freebies" from the Governor’s office, including undisclosed financial perks meant for the lawmakers. While Obasa indulged in these perks, the treatment of fellow elected officials took a darker turn. Lawmakers under his leadership were reportedly treated as nothing more than pawns, with Obasa adopting an emperor-like attitude, dismissing their concerns and undermining their roles. His alleged nonchalant disregard for his colleagues and staff left many Assembly members feeling sidelined and powerless, with the ex-Speaker allegedly consolidating power for himself, turning a blind eye to the needs and rights of those around him.

As the investigation into Obasa’s alleged corrupt activities continues, the spotlight is now on Adenike Ajibosin, with many questionings how she became a central figure in the political machinery; whether her involvement led to the enrichment of both herself and the embattled former Speaker.

While the pressure mounts, Obasa's once-solid political standing is now under threat, with many calling for accountability in the face of these serious claims.