SIR: The race for the 2027 governorship election seems to have started earlier than expected in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos State, albeit on a very dramatic note.
The presentation of Lagos Stateโs 2025 budget proposal on November 21, 2024, was expected to be a milestone event, but the session at the House of Assembly became a noteworthy spectacle of discord and political theatrics.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the stateโs chief executive, arrived at the legislative chamber with the intention of unveiling the budget and setting a course for the stateโs future. However, the atmosphere was far from welcoming.
Led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Assemblyโs conduct bewildered guests and observers, with many deeming it a disgrace to the integrity of the legislative institution.
The proceedings kicked off late, well past 1 p.m., featuring seemingly trivial discussions (Celebration of 2024 Menโs Day) that strayed far from the dayโs agenda.
When Governor Sanwo-Olu finally entered the chamber, the response from Speaker Obasa left the audience in shock. Obasa ordered the session to proceed uninterrupted, leaving attendees to stand and show their respect in an informal display of solidarity.
Clad in dark sunglasses, Obasaโs demeanour and remarks left an indelible impression on the proceedings. His unapologetic declarations and thinly veiled political aspirations took the centre stage.
This, according to political watchers, is a direct response to the purported endorsement of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earlier in the week by a group, for the โNumber one Jobโ in Lagos in 2027.
Obasa made a veiled reference to some โnaysayersโ who were bent on causing disaffection in the house. His reference to the fact that he is a bonafide Lagosian is believed to be a direct challenge to Seyi Tinubu to proof that he is truly from Lagos.
One of the GAC members who was present during the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Sanwo-Olu was quoted to have said that โSanwo-Olu has no dog in this fight, why treat him and the Exco like that; there was clearly no need for that drama. Is SanwoOlu running for a third term?โ It was clear on Thursday that Obasa was ready to take the bull by the horns to contest the 2027 race.
In a speech that was a mix of defiance, political posturing, Speaker Obasa addressed rumours surrounding his ambitions. โI am Obasa, and qualified to run for Lagos Governor,โ he stated, dismissing suggestions that familial connections were being leveraged to support his candidacy.
He emphasised his independence and identity, firmly rooted in Agege. While he claimed that his gubernatorial aspirations were secondary, the undertones of his speech stoked speculation about his political intentions for the 2027 election.
Beyond personal assertions, Obasaโs remarks hinted at deeper tensions within the Assembly and the broader political leadership in Lagos. He accused adversaries of attempting to destabilise the legislature, warning against interference, and stressing the sanctity of the Assembly as a โtemple.โ
โNo one will violate any temple and expect the gods to accept their sacrifice,โ he declared, employing cultural and spiritual references to bolster the Assemblyโs resilience and warning detractors to prepare for the repercussions of their actions.
Obasa should leave judgment to Lagosians, or rather, his self-assessment should be in comparison with former Speakers like Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, Jokotola Pelumi or the immediate past, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, not with governors.
As the journey towards 2027 eventuates, Obasa needs to note that his touted firm grip on the Assembly is only with the benevolence and respect for President Tinubu. Any direct affront towards the Tinubu political dynasty is dangerous and uncalled for.
Even if Seyi has no political ambition towards Government House, Alausa in 2027, Obasa ought to know that 24 hours is such a long time in politics. With the benefit of hindsight and experience on the succession plan in Lagos, after the Almighty God, the Jagaban will most likely continue to hold the ace on who takes over from Sanwo-Olu. The journey towards 2027 will be interesting, long-winding, filled with intrigues, but at the end, time and only time will tell.
Mr Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, should concentrate on the task at hand, which is legislation, lest he is swept away by the same political intrigues alluded to in his โbudget speechโs response.โ
โข Sunday Babatunde wrote from Lagos.