Obasa Smuggled Vehicles Through Badagry Border, Presented Invoice from Elizade Motors, Colleague Alleges

By Dansu Peter  Hon. Abdulwahab Olumuyiwa Jimoh, a former majority leader and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa...

By Dansu Peter 

Hon. Abdulwahab Olumuyiwa Jimoh, a former majority leader and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Constituency II, has alleged that the embattled former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, smuggled vehicles into Nigeria while presenting invoices from Elizade Motors to the 9th Assembly. Jimoh made the revelations during a live interview on Arise TV monitored by Badagry Today, accusing Obasa of corruption and abuse of power.  

According to Jimoh, Obasa bypassed standard procedures by purchasing vehicles from Benin Republic through illegal channels, despite presenting documents that claimed they were sourced from Elizade Motors. "He cannot deny this and other corrupt practices. I believe the EFCC will invite him at the appropriate time," Jimoh asserted.  

Jimoh also criticized Obasa's leadership style, accusing him of treating colleagues as subordinates and appointing a Level 12 civil servant as head of a department over more senior Level 17 officers. "His leadership style was like that of an employer and employees. He disrespected us as colleagues," Jimoh added.  

The allegations come in the wake of Obasa's removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, by a majority of House members, citing misconduct and financial misappropriation. Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda has since assumed the position of Speaker.  

Despite his removal, Obasa insists he remains the legitimate Speaker, arguing that proper procedures for his removal were not followed. "If you want to remove me, do it the proper way. Until then, I remain the Speaker," he told reporters after addressing supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja, Lagos.  

Obasa has denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated. "How can they claim we spent N16 billion on an ordinary gate or N1 billion on a Hilux vehicle? These accusations are baseless," he stated. He further emphasized his long-standing tenure in the House, noting, "I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and remain the longest-serving member."  

The controversy has drawn significant public attention, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations. While Obasa has hinted at a potential legal challenge, political analysts believe the crisis may escalate further, potentially involving anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC.  

As Lagosians await clarity on the leadership tussle and the allegations, the integrity of the Assembly hangs in the balance, with stakeholders urging due process and transparency.