The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday dismissed allegations that the House allocated N17 billion for the construction of a gate, calling the claims both absurd and humorous.
The Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition had accused the Assembly of this extravagant spending and called for an investigation into the matter.
During a plenary session, Dr. Obasa explained that such accusations likely arise from anxieties surrounding the upcoming 2027 elections, which are still over two years away.
Additionally, he refuted claims that the House spent N200 million on its recent 22nd thanksgiving service for staff. “It’s simply ridiculous. What is the total budget of the Assembly that we would consider spending N17 billion on a gate? They even suggested we spent N200 million on a thanksgiving service that didn’t occur,” he stated.
Obasa added, “As we approach the 2027 elections, it is not surprising to encounter such unfounded allegations. It appears some individuals are feeling threatened, though the reason remains unclear.”
He emphasized, “This House has not engaged in any such projects; we are not financially irresponsible. Our thanksgiving service occurred last Friday, and dignitaries from various sectors were in attendance.”
In response to further allegations regarding his ties with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Speaker denied having attended the confirmation screening at the National Assembly. “Claims that I was present during the confirmation process are unfounded. There are CCTV cameras that can verify attendance, and the press reported on this event. I urge the group to verify their information,” he asserted.
“This statement aims to clarify these allegations for the public interest, rather than engaging with those who have made these claims,” he concluded.
Earlier, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, the House’s spokesperson, addressed the allegations, affirming that the Assembly operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. “The assertion regarding constituency intervention funds and the management of such funds by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, is utterly nonsensical,” he stated.
Ogundipe continued, “It would be expected that a self-identified anti-corruption group conducts thorough research before making baseless accusations against a prestigious institution for political purposes.”
“To clarify, the Lagos State House of Assembly does not manage such funds and does not undertake constituency projects. Instead, we conduct annual stakeholder meetings across the state, allowing constituents to voice their expectations and requests for the enhancement of the state’s welfare.”
“These inputs are compiled and submitted to the executive branch for consideration in upcoming budgets. If the group considers this process to be their definition of constituency intervention or project funds, we hope this explanation has clarified the matter. It is well known that the responsibility for executing projects lies with the Executive branch,” the statement from Ogundipe concluded.
