“We Thought Tinubu Approved It” — Desmond Elliot Opens Up on Obasa’s Impeachment Crisis

Lagos, Nigeria - 19 May, 2026

Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, has opened up on the political drama surrounding the 2025 impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, saying lawmakers believed the move had the support of President Bola Tinubu.

Elliot disclosed that the situation created confusion among members of the assembly, as many lawmakers assumed the decision to remove Obasa had been endorsed by powerful figures within the ruling political structure.

Speaking on the crisis, the actor-turned-politician said the lawmakers were uncertain about the true position of party leaders during the impeachment process, describing the atmosphere at the time as tense and politically unclear.

According to him, many legislators acted based on the belief that the move against Obasa aligned with the wishes of influential stakeholders in Lagos politics.

The crisis began in January 2025 when Obasa was impeached as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial mismanagement, and authoritarian leadership style. A majority of lawmakers backed the decision, leading to one of the most dramatic political confrontations in Lagos in recent years.

Obasa’s removal immediately triggered controversy within the political space, with reports of sharp divisions among members of the ruling party and growing tension within the state assembly.

Desmond Elliot explained that lawmakers later discovered there were conflicting interests and positions among top political figures, which deepened uncertainty within the assembly.

“We were all confused,” Elliot reportedly said while reflecting on the events surrounding the impeachment saga.

The development fueled speculations about internal power struggles within Lagos politics and raised questions about the influence of party leadership over legislative affairs in the state.

Political observers at the time described the impeachment as a major test of loyalty and authority within the Lagos political establishment, especially given Obasa’s longstanding influence in the assembly and his close ties to key figures in the ruling party.

The crisis also sparked wider national attention, with many Nigerians closely following developments at the Lagos Assembly due to the strategic political importance of the state.

Despite the controversy, the impeachment underscored growing tensions within the legislature and highlighted the fragile balance of power among political actors in Lagos State.