Smear Campaign Exposed as Lagos Speaker Obasa Dismisses False Claims of N17B Assembly Gate Spending

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has refuted allegations of allocating ₦17 billion for the construction of the Assembly’s gate. During a plenary session on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Obasa labeled the claims as “spurious and funny,” questioning the feasibility of such expenditure given the Assembly’s annual budget.

The allegations, brought forward by the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, also accused the Assembly of spending ₦200 million on a recent Thanksgiving service. Obasa dismissed these claims, suggesting they are politically motivated attacks in anticipation of the 2027 elections. He emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability, denying any reckless spending.

Additionally, Obasa addressed insinuations of an inappropriate relationship with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, denying attendance at Olukoyede’s screening and confirmation by the National Assembly. He challenged accusers to provide evidence supporting their claims.

The Assembly’s spokesperson, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, reiterated that the legislative body does not manage constituency projects directly. Instead, it facilitates stakeholders’ meetings to gather constituents’ inputs, which are then forwarded to the executive arm for consideration in future budgets. Ogundipe criticized the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.

The Assembly maintains that it has not embarked on any such gate construction project and remains focused on its legislative duties with prudence and responsibility.