The political storm surrounding the recently impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has taken a new twist as questions arise over the authenticity of his legal credentials. A document from the Supreme Court of Nigeria has revealed that Obasa’s name is not listed in the Roll of Legal Practitioners, sparking allegations that he may have falsified his claim to being a lawyer.
This revelation follows Obasa’s impeachment on charges of gross misconduct and abuse of office, which paved the way for Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
The Supreme Court Document: What It Reveals
The controversy centers around a Supreme Court document dated July 24, 2020, which was signed by Gertrude Karenton-Mordi on behalf of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court. The document was a response to a verification request submitted on July 23, 2020, seeking to confirm Obasa’s enrollment as a legal practitioner.
The letter stated:
“We have checked our records and cannot find the name: MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA on the numerous Rolls of Legal Practitioners kept in this Honourable Court. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA is at liberty to come to this Honourable Court with his Call to bar and qualifying certificates for enrolment. If he has done a change of name, he is expected to show proof of same.”
This confirmation by the Supreme Court has cast doubt on Obasa’s claim of obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Lagos State University (LASU) in 2006 and his subsequent qualification as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Supreme Court Spokesman Confirms the Document
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Dr. Festus Akande, the spokesman for the Supreme Court, confirmed the authenticity of the document. Akande noted that the letter indeed originated from the office of the Supreme Court, further validating the concerns about Obasa’s legal qualifications.
How the Allegations Emerged
The controversy was triggered by an anonymous request sent to the Supreme Court on July 23, 2020, asking for verification of Obasa’s enrollment as a legal practitioner. The court’s response, which surfaced recently on social media, has fueled speculation that the former Speaker may have misrepresented his academic and professional qualifications.
Obasa’s claim of earning a law degree and being a lawyer had bolstered his political image during his tenure as Speaker. However, the Supreme Court’s findings have cast a shadow over his credibility and raised questions about his educational background.
The Political Fallout
Obasa’s impeachment on Monday, January 15, 2025, was already a significant political event, marking the end of his tenure as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The allegations of forgery could further complicate his situation, as legal action may follow if the claims are substantiated.
His impeachment, which was based on accusations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, has now been overshadowed by the emerging controversy over his legal credentials. If proven guilty of falsifying his qualifications, Obasa could face additional legal and reputational consequences.
Public Reactions
The revelations have sparked widespread reactions, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. Critics argue that this scandal highlights the need for stricter verification processes for public officials, especially those in high-ranking positions.
Some political analysts have also pointed out that this incident could set a precedent for scrutinizing the academic and professional qualifications of other politicians in Nigeria.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has invited Mudashiru Obasa to provide proof of his legal qualifications, including his Call to Bar certificate and other relevant documents. If he has undergone a change of name, he is expected to present evidence to support the name change.
Obasa’s next steps will likely determine the trajectory of this controversy. Failing to provide the required documentation may lead to formal investigations, legal actions, and further damage to his political career.
The controversy surrounding the impeached Lagos Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has raised critical questions about integrity and accountability in public office. While the Supreme Court’s letter has brought to light discrepancies in his legal credentials, the onus is now on Obasa to clear his name by providing the necessary evidence.
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As Nigerians await further developments, this case underscores the importance of transparency and due diligence in the vetting of public officials. For Obasa, the stakes couldn’t be higher, as his legacy and future in politics hang in the balance.
As of the time of this report, all efforts by TJ News Nigeria to contact the impeached Lagos Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, for clarification proved abortive, as text messages and emails sent were not responded to.
