Mudashiru Obasa: Biography of Lagos’ longest-serving speaker

Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who has played a key role in the Lagos State House of Assembly for over two decades.

From humble beginnings as a local government councilor to becoming the Speaker of the House for nearly ten years, Obasa’s career has been marked by legislative achievements, political influence, and controversy.

Profile summary

Name: Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa

Date of birth: November 11, 1972

Place of birth: Lagos

Education: Lagos State University

Relationship status: Married

Career: Politician

Background

Mudashiru Obasa, a native of the Nigerian Yoruba tribe was born on November 11, 1972, in Agege, Lagos.

He began his education at St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Surulere, before moving to State Primary School, Oyewole, Agege.

He later attended Archbishop Aggey Memorial Secondary School, Mushin, where he earned his West African School Certificate.

Driven by a passion for law, Obasa obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Lagos State University (LASU) and later qualified as a lawyer at the Nigerian Law School.

His contributions to governance earned him an honorary doctorate from Joseph Ayodele Babalola University (JABU) in Osun State.

Political Career: From Councilor to Speaker

Obasa entered politics in 1999 when he won a councilor seat in Agege Local Government under the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

As Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council, he played an active role in education and local governance.

His political rise continued in 2007 when he won a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Agege Constituency I.

His strong grassroots connections and legislative expertise led to multiple re-elections in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, making him the longest-serving State House of Assembly member in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tenure as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

On June 8, 2015, Obasa was elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, succeeding Adeyemi Ikuforiji. Under his leadership, several policies and initiatives were introduced, including:

Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps – A community-based security initiative.

Annual Stakeholders’ Meetings – A platform for public engagement on governance.

Education and Empowerment Programs – Free WAEC, JAMB, and GCE forms for students, along with scholarships.

Obasa Cup – A grassroots football tournament for young talents.

Obasa also held key positions on multiple legislative committees, including Rural Development, Budget and Economic Planning, and Public Accounts (Local Government).

In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him to the Committee for the Implementation of Autonomy for State Legislature and Judiciary.

He also served as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (2018–2020).

Controversies

Despite his achievements, Obasa’s career was marred by scandals. During the #EndSARS protests, he made a controversial statement denying the deaths of protesters, sparking public outrage.

In 2020, an investigative report by Sahara Reporters accused him of misappropriating public funds through multiple fraudulent accounts and inflated contracts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited him for questioning on October 8 and 9, 2020, but reports suggested he feigned illness during interrogation. Although released on bail, Obasa remained under EFCC investigation for alleged financial misconduct.

Impeachment

On January 13, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly impeached Obasa over gross misconduct and abuse of office.

His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was elected as the new Speaker, marking the end of his nearly ten-year reign in Lagos’ legislative leadership.

Private life

Outside politics, Obasa enjoys football, reading, boxing, and mentorship. He is happily married with children and is a member of elite social and professional groups, including:

• Council of the African Bar Association
• Ikoyi Club
• Island Club
• Association of Friends (Asso)
• Abeokuta Club

Recognitions

Despite the controversies, Obasa has received multiple awards, including:

• Certificate of Excellence by the State of Georgia, USA
• Best Speaker of the Year (2016) – Eko Club International, USA
• Golden Ambassador of LASU
• Speaker of the Year (2016) – City People Magazine
• Most Outstanding State Legislator of the Year (2017) – Independent Newspapers Limited
• Certificate of Recognition (2018) – African Bar Association (ABA)

Obasa has also been conferred with chieftaincy titles, such as:

• Baasofin of Lagos – Conferred by the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Ridwan Akiolu
• Gbajumo of Egbaland – Given by the Alake of Egba, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III

Beyond politics, he has supported Lagosians through scholarships, business grants, and community security projects.

Net worth

Obasa’s estimated net worth currently stands at  over $15 million reportedly amassed through politics and business ventures.