The political future of Mudashiru Obasa, one of the most influential figures in Lagos politics over the past decade, appears increasingly uncertain following a series of setbacks that have reshaped the state’s power landscape.
Obasa, who has served as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015—the longest in the state’s history—was widely believed to be positioning himself for a gubernatorial bid. Political observers say he had intensified consultations across the state while rebuilding his Mandate Group structure in preparation for the race.
However, emerging alignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reportedly backed by party leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), appear to favour the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the next governorship candidate.
The shift in political momentum became more evident in January 2025 when more than two-thirds of Assembly members voted to impeach Obasa, citing allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The development marked a dramatic fall for a lawmaker long regarded as the dominant force within the legislature.
Although Obasa was later reinstated following intervention from party leadership, insiders say the episode significantly weakened his political standing.
Subsequently, attention turned to the Lagos West Senatorial seat, with speculation that Obasa might pursue a ticket to the National Assembly. However, that path also appears closed, as the GAC is said to have endorsed incumbent Senator Idiat Adebule as the consensus candidate.
Sources within the party now indicate that Obasa may be redirected to contest for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives—a return to his political roots. Yet, even this option is not without complications, as the seat is reportedly being considered for other aspirants, including individuals believed to be aligned with Obasa himself.
Adding another layer to the unfolding political drama, his current Assembly seat is also attracting interest from emerging figures within his political camp, suggesting a gradual shift in local power dynamics.
Despite these challenges, analysts note that Obasa’s influence in Agege politics remains significant. His son, Abdul-Ganiyu “Vinod” Obasa, currently serves as the local government chairman, fueling speculation that the family’s political legacy in the area could endure beyond his personal ambitions.
While the recent developments point to a shrinking political runway for the Speaker, observers insist it may be premature to write off his relevance entirely in Lagos politics, where shifting alliances and strategic recalibrations often redefine careers.
For now, however, the trajectory of one of Lagos’ most enduring political figures hangs in the balance.
