How Desmond Elliot’s role in Obasa impeachment almost cost Gbajabiamila his job

Fresh revelations have emerged from the political crisis surrounding the impeachment of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, after Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the controversy nearly cost him his position in the presidency.

Gbajabiamila made the disclosure during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, where he alleged that the involvement of actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot in the impeachment plot placed him under intense scrutiny and suspicion.

The remarks have reignited public interest in the dramatic Lagos Assembly leadership crisis that shook the state’s political structure in 2025 and exposed internal tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

How Obasa Was Impeached as Lagos Assembly Speaker

Mudashiru Obasa was impeached in January 2025 by a majority of lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly over allegations bordering on gross misconduct and abuse of office.

At the time of his removal, Obasa was reportedly outside Nigeria. Following his impeachment, then-Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.

However, the political crisis escalated shortly after Obasa rejected his removal and challenged the process in court.

After spending 49 days in office, Meranda eventually stepped down, paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement following reported intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

A court later nullified the impeachment proceedings and resolutions that led to Obasa’s removal, further intensifying debates around the legality and politics of the crisis.

Gbajabiamila Says Obasa Crisis Nearly Cost Him His Position

Speaking at the APC stakeholders’ gathering, Gbajabiamila revealed that President Tinubu personally summoned him during the height of the political turmoil.

According to him, the president confronted him over intelligence reports allegedly linking Desmond Elliot to the impeachment plot against Obasa.

Gbajabiamila said Tinubu directly mentioned Elliot during their conversation and questioned whether the Surulere lawmaker was involved in the political move against the former speaker.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives explained that he initially defended Elliot, insisting he had no knowledge of the lawmaker’s involvement.

However, he said the president maintained that intelligence reports suggested otherwise and instructed him to caution Elliot.

Gbajabiamila disclosed that he subsequently contacted Desmond Elliot and advised him to distance himself from the impeachment crisis if he was involved.

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DSS Allegedly Linked Gbajabiamila to Impeachment Plot

The Chief of Staff further claimed that the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) later contacted him regarding allegations that his name was being associated with the impeachment scheme.

According to Gbajabiamila, security intelligence reportedly suggested he was backing Elliot and supporting the move against Obasa.

He maintained that he denied any involvement and again contacted Elliot to publicly dissociate himself from the allegations.

Gbajabiamila said Elliot declined to issue any public statement distancing himself from the crisis.

“If it were not that I had the kind of relationship I had with the president, I wouldn’t be here today,” Gbajabiamila reportedly stated during the meeting.

Fresh Political Tension in Surulere APC

The revelations come amid growing political tension within the Surulere chapter of the APC ahead of future elections.

Desmond Elliot, who currently represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, is reportedly facing mounting opposition over his reelection ambitions.

Some party stakeholders have accused political associates linked to Gbajabiamila’s camp of attempting to influence the succession battle within the constituency.

The political friction has deepened existing divisions within the local APC structure, especially following claims that preferred candidates are being positioned ahead of party primaries.

Gbajabiamila also accused Elliot of allegedly fueling religious divisions between Christians and Muslims within Surulere politics, further escalating tensions surrounding the lawmaker’s political future.

What the Obasa Impeachment Crisis Means for Lagos Politics

Political analysts believe the latest revelations expose the depth of internal power struggles within Lagos APC politics and highlight the influence of President Tinubu in resolving major political disputes in the state.

The Obasa impeachment saga has continued to generate controversy because it involved key figures within the Lagos political establishment, including lawmakers, party leaders, and influential presidential allies.

Observers say the crisis may also shape future political alignments within Lagos APC, particularly as lawmakers and party stakeholders prepare for upcoming elections and primaries.

For many Nigerians, Gbajabiamila’s comments provide fresh insight into the behind-the-scenes tensions that surrounded one of the most controversial legislative crises in recent Lagos political history.

FAQ

Why was Mudashiru Obasa impeached?

Mudashiru Obasa was impeached in January 2025 after lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Who replaced Obasa after his impeachment?

Mojisola Meranda, the then-Deputy Speaker, replaced Obasa and became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Was Obasa reinstated as Speaker?

Yes. After 49 days, Obasa was reinstated following political intervention reportedly linked to President Bola Tinubu.

What did Gbajabiamila say about the Obasa impeachment?

Femi Gbajabiamila said the political crisis surrounding Obasa’s impeachment nearly cost him his job as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu.

How was Desmond Elliot linked to the impeachment crisis?

Gbajabiamila alleged that intelligence reports identified Desmond Elliot as one of the lawmakers involved in the impeachment move against Obasa.

Did President Tinubu intervene in the Obasa crisis?

Reports indicated that President Bola Tinubu played a major role in resolving the Lagos Assembly crisis and facilitating Obasa’s return as Speaker.

What role did the DSS play in the controversy?

Gbajabiamila claimed the DSS contacted him over allegations that he was backing the impeachment plot through Desmond Elliot.

Did Desmond Elliot deny involvement in Obasa’s impeachment?

According to Gbajabiamila, he advised Elliot to publicly distance himself from the impeachment allegations, but the lawmaker allegedly declined to do so.

Why is the Obasa impeachment still controversial?

The impeachment remains controversial because of allegations of political interference, internal APC power struggles, and the eventual court decision nullifying the impeachment process.

What does the Obasa crisis mean for Lagos politics?

The crisis exposed internal divisions within the Lagos APC and highlighted the influence of major political figures in shaping legislative leadership in the state.

What constituency does Desmond Elliot represent?

Desmond Elliot represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

What court ruling was delivered on Obasa’s impeachment?

A court later nullified the proceedings and resolutions that led to Obasa’s impeachment from office.