FEATURES

FEATURES

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly unanimously impeached Hon Obasa on Monday, ending his nine-year headship of the Lagos State legislature.

 

Obasa, who was away in the United States (USA), was accused of several infractions and replaced by his deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda.

Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1 and was also the House’s former chief whip, makes history as the first female speaker in Lagos.

Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected the House’s Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe Constituency 2, moved the motion for his removal under urgent public importance, citing relevant sections of the constitution that abhor infractions and back the speaker’s impeachment.

Some allegations levelled against the impeached speaker were highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership, lack of commitment to legislative business, lack of regard for fellow lawmakers, and intimidation and suppression of legislative staff.

 

Other allegations levelled against him are financial impropriety, misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, and authoritarianism, among others.

He was alleged to always be at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and absenting himself from most state functions.

However, beyond all the above accusations, political watchers say political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Obasa was said to have an ambition to run as governor, was the real push behind his removal as head of the state’s legislature, a post he had held for almost a decade.

Analysts said interest in the 2027 governorship election is behind the removal of Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

It was gathered that Obasa’s ambition put him against some of those eyeing that seat.

In what observers considered moves to ridicule the state deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who is also eyeing the governorship seat, Obasa summoned the deputy governor to report at his seat during the governor’s budget presentation in November without showing respect for his office.

A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.

“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.

“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.

“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.
“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.

A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.

“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.

“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.

“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.

“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.

At the 2025 budget presentation, the former speaker disrespectfully said those who have ruled Lagos State in the past were not better than him, a statement many considered an insult to past leaders and an overbearing attitude toward the state’s powers that be.

To nail the former speaker’s coffin, the motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2. It was immediately subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceedings.

All the lawmakers shouted “yes” to support the impeachment, while none said “nay” to counter the motion.

Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.

Tobun emphasised that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.

“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.

He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members agreed to end Obasa’s tenure.

Following the impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the new speaker, with Hon. Fatai Ajibola assuming the role of deputy speaker.

“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun added.

The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.

As a mark of acceptance, the Conference 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen in Lagos State have congratulated Rt. Hon Mojisola Meranda on her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

In a statement, the body praised Meranda’s dedication, competence, and commitment to service, saying her emergence reflects the state’s progressive ideals and inclusive governance ethos.

The forum said they trusted Meranda’s ability to deliver robust legislative leadership, foster development, and uphold democratic principles.

They assured her of their support and collaboration and wished her a successful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements.

Signed on behalf of Conference 57 by its chairman,  Alabi Kolade David, and public relations officer, Olusesan Daini, the statement concluded with a congratulatory message to the Speaker.

As of the time this report was filed, some state Assembly staff members were seen jubilating over Obasa’s impeachment, saying he did not care about the welfare of the state’s Legislative Assembly staff.

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has urged Lagosians to resist any plan by All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians to usurp their rights to determine who leads the state.

Rhodes-Vivior stated this on Monday while reacting to the impeachment of the state’s House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

 

Naija News reported that Obasa was accused of financial misappropriation by the House. However, the Lagos political structure was in heat over the reported governorship ambition of Obasa clashing with that of the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu.

 

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Mojisola Lasbat Miranda, who represents Apapa State Constituency 1 of the Lagos State was sworn in as Speaker.

In his reaction on his X handle, the former Labour Party governorship candidate wondered why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was not interested in financial misappropriation before the governorship ambition saga erupted in the state.

“It’s interesting that the EFCC just realized the corruption of APC Lagos politicians. It is not a coincidence that they all have ambition to become the next governor.

“Your principal has just indirectly communicated that Lagos is his birthright and that of his descendants, and every aspiring APC politician exists solely to further his interest and that of his family.

“I have said this before and will say it again. Lagos is bigger than him and we must remind him that Lagos is not his to bequeath,” he wrote.

[NaijaNews]

Lagos State House of Assembly has sworn in its first female Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

Meranda took her oath of office after the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday during a plenary session.

She represents the Apapa 1 state constituency in the assembly.

She was first elected as a member of the House in 2015, representing Apapa constituency 1. She was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

Before her time in the House, Mrs Meranda served the Apapa local government in different capacities. She also worked in the private sector.

Meranda was born on 16 August 1980, to the family of the late Chief T. A. Lawal Akapo (Ojora of Lagos) and Princess M. A. Lawal-Akapo of the royal families of Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru.

Her late father was a legislator at the local level before he became the Ojora of Lagos. Her mother is from the prominent Oniru family in Lagos. Her brother is the Oniru of Iru land, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal.

Mrs Meranda began her primary education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School before moving to Randle Primary School at Randle Avenue in Surulere from 1986 to 1992.

She attended Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (1992-1996) and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School (1996-1998), both in Surulere, where she was a library prefect and secretary of the press club.

 

She obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1998, according to her official House profile.

After her secondary education, Mrs Meranda obtained an advanced certificate in software development in 2005. She is also recorded as having attended Lagos State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration in 2013.

In 2018, she returned to school, enrolling at the University of Lagos.

In 2003, at the age of 23, she began working as a personal assistant to Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant on technology and special projects to Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Between 2007 and 2008, Mrs Meranda worked in the oil and gas industry with Cirrus Nigeria Limited as a procurement manager.

She returned to politics in 2008, taking active roles in the Apapa local government, first as a senior special assistant on intervention and intergovernmental affairs to the then Chairman, Ayodeji Joseph, and later as a supervisory councilor for health.

In 2014, she joined Worthline International Services Limited as head of operations. Worthline was originally registered in 2012, with Mrs Meranda as a director.

And then in 2015, she was elected as a member of the House.

[YTheNation]

The United States unveiled new export rules Monday on chips used for artificial intelligence, furthering efforts to make it tough for China and other rivals to access advanced technology in Joe Biden’s final days as president.

The restrictions build on curbs announced in 2023 on exporting certain AI chips to China, which the United States sees as a strategic competitor.

In recent years, Washington has expanded its efforts to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, which can be used in AI and weapons systems, as Beijing’s tech advancements spark concern among policymakers.

“The US leads the world in AI now — both AI development and AI chip design — and it’s critical that we keep it that way,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters. 

The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorizations for exports, re-exports and in-country transfers — while also including a series of exceptions for countries considered friendly to the United States.

AI data centers meanwhile will need to comply with enhanced security parameters to be able to import chips.

But the latest move drew industry criticism and warnings that it would hurt US competitiveness.

Semiconductor Industry Association chief executive John Neuffer said: “We’re deeply disappointed that a policy shift of this magnitude and impact is being rushed out the door days before a presidential transition and without any meaningful input from industry.”

He added in a statement that the rule could cause “lasting damage to America’s economy and global competitiveness” by ceding key markets to rivals.

Chip titan Nvidia said in a blog post that “while cloaked in the guise of an ‘anti-China’ measure, these rules would do nothing to enhance US security.”

– Trump decision? –

 

The rules make it “hard for our strategic competitors to use smuggling and remote access to evade our export control,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

They also create “incentives for our friends and partners around the world to use trusted vendors for advanced AI,” he added.

The new rules will take effect in 120 days, Raimondo said, giving the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump time to potentially make changes.

In its blog post, Nvidia stressed that the first Trump administration showed how the United States “wins through innovation, competition and by sharing our technologies with the world — not by retreating behind a wall of government overreach.”

Trump put heavy tariffs on China during his first presidential term.

However, his backers in Silicon Valley could also see the rules as an undue burden on their ability to export products.

On Monday, Nvidia shares slid around three percent in early trading while Intel lost 1.6 percent and Advanced Micro Devices fell by about 0.8 percent.

For now, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) said that pressuring countries to choose between Washington and Beijing could alienate partners and boost China’s position in the global AI ecosystem.

“Many countries may opt for the side offering them uninterrupted access to the AI technologies vital for their economic growth and digital futures,” said ITIF vice president Daniel Castro.

AFP

Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has shared the emotional journey of waiting a decade to welcome his first children, a set of twins, with his wife, Oluwaseyi Edun.

In a recent interview with fellow actor Kunle Afod, the 46-year-old revealed that his journey to fatherhood spanned two marriages. He explained that he waited three years for a child during his previous marriage before the relationship ended. 

Adeniyi began dating Oluwaseyi in 2016 and the couple tied the knot in 2018. Together, they spent seven years praying and engaging in religious activities while holding onto hope for a child. 

 
 

Their perseverance was rewarded in February 2023 when they welcomed their twins.

Reflecting on the experience, Adeniyi credited his faith and patience for helping him through the challenging period, adding that the long wait made the eventual blessing even more meaningful. 

“The vigil was much. But we thank God that what one has been crying over God turned it into joy. It is a cry of 10 years. I waited for 10 years. Myself and the mother of the twins have been seeking God’s face for a child for seven years. And when it came, God said he wanted to gift me with twins. What do I do?” he said.

“Whenever I am at home, and I see them climbing on top of me, I am always very happy. I would say thank you, God. Other people buy diapers for one child for us we buy two. We bless God for provision. They also eat well.

“We did not allow age to tell on us. And we thank God we do not look like what we have passed through.”

[Vanguard]

A gospel singer identified as Timileyin Ajayi has been arrested after he was allegedly caught with the severed head of his girlfriend in Nasarawa.

 

The incident occurred on Sunday in Agwan Sarki, Orozo, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The suspect’s arrest was facilitated by an intelligence tip-off, leading security agents to an uncompleted building in the area. The severed head was found in a polythene bag.

During interrogation, Ajayi, who also poses as a motivational speaker on TikTok, confessed to the crime.

 

In a now-viral video, he revealed that he had dated Salome Adaidu for one year before her death. In his defense, he claimed they engaged in a heated fight, and she tried to stab him with a knife.

The slain lady Salome Adaidu

Ajayi, who released his album ‘God of the Earth’ in 2020, also revealed that the rest of the victim’s body was at his residence.

A man who identifies himself as Caleb Umaru, a member of the Nasarawa community, also spoke about the incident via a Facebook post.

 

“I got the shock of my life as we apprehend a Yahoo ritual with a human head (his girlfriend) inside a nylon close to our church as we were holding service,” he wrote.

“I thought I just used to watch things like this until I experienced one “Live” today.

“And this guy said the remaining body of the girl is still in his house. God have mercy on this generation.”

Timileyin released his album ‘God of the Earth’ in 2020

Efforts by TheCable Lifestyle to reach Nansel Ramhan, the Nasarawa police command spokesperson, for details have proved abortive.

 

[TheCable]

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has dismissed speculations of a political alliance with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gabam stated that the SDP’s priority is strengthening its structures and offering Nigerians credible alternatives.

He made this known during an appearance on Television Continental’s Politics Tonight on Sunday.

He said, “There’s no alliance with anyone. As the chairman of the party, I have not engaged in any discussions about alliances. Our focus is on reviewing our strategies from 2024 and building a dynamic, inclusive platform.”

 
 

Addressing his meetings with El-Rufai, Gabam described him as a significant figure whose influence has caused anxiety among some political actors.

He, however, distanced the SDP from any political alignment with the former Kaduna governor.

“El-Rufai is a major force, but my relationship with him is personal, not political. Some people magnify his presence to create unnecessary controversy,” he explained.

 

Gabam also highlighted the failures of both the All Progressives Congress and the PDP, urging Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from the Bola Tinubu government.

“The weaknesses of the PDP and APC are evident. Our responsibility in the SDP is to create a competitive and transparent platform where Nigerians feel empowered to aspire and thrive,” he stated.

Gabam expressed concerns about the state of governance under President Bola Tinubu, describing the administration as disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians.

He pointed to skyrocketing living costs, food insecurity, and transportation challenges as key issues affecting citizens.

“The cost of living is unbearable for many, and some policies have exacerbated the struggles of ordinary citizens. Nigerians are paying more for electricity, food, and transportation, yet they are told the economy is improving. These contradictions are deeply concerning,” Gabam said.

He also condemned the President’s reliance on advisers who, he claimed, fail to provide an accurate picture of the nation’s struggles.

“Leaders must have their ears to the ground. Waiting for filtered reports from officials risks ignoring the real issues on the streets,” Gabam added.

 

Gabam raised allegations of political intimidation and misuse of state institutions, citing his own experience of having his security details withdrawn without explanation.

He said, “My security was withdrawn a month ago without any formal notice. It’s alarming that state instruments are used to intimidate those who offer constructive criticism,” he said.

 

The SDP chairman urged the federal government to reevaluate its policies, particularly those affecting the welfare of citizens. “Subsidy removal and other reforms have left Nigerians struggling. The government needs to prioritise policies that directly improve the lives of the people,” he said.

He, however, reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to presenting viable alternatives, saying, “Our competition is legitimate and within the law. We are focused on winning by addressing the issues that matter most to Nigerians.”

Last modified on Monday, 13 January 2025 13:51

A middle-aged man, suspected to be a ‘Yahoo boy’ (Internet fraudster) and identified simply as Adaju, has been arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend for ritual purposes.

DAILY POST gathered that the suspect was apprehended in Agwan Sarki, Orozo, a boundary area between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The suspect’s arrest was reportedly facilitated by an intelligence tip-off, leading security agents to an uncompleted building in the area.

A video clip currently making the rounds on social media captured some community members interrogating the suspect, who admitted to committing the crime.

The Secretary of the Orozo Community, Comrade Abwami Nuhuson Daniel, confirmed the incident in a post on his Facebook page.

He wrote: *“I got the shock of my life as we apprehended a ‘Yahoo’ ritualist with a human head (his girlfriend) inside a nylon bag in Agwan Sarki, Orozo, FCT.

“I thought I just used to watch things like this until I experienced one live today in my community.

 

“And this guy said the remaining body of the girl is still in his house. May God have mercy on this generation.”*

When contacted by DAILY POST, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that the incident did not happen within the territory.

According to her, the crime was committed in Nasarawa State and not in the FCT, as being circulated on social media.

However, the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, told DAILY POST: “We don’t have any reported case of this magnitude, but I will make more findings.”

A 22-year-old lady identified as Iyanu Adedeji allegedly stabbed her husband, Funsho Jimoh, to death in the Gbonogun area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

PUNCH Metro learnt from a security source on Sunday that the duo of Iyanu and Funsho were married with two children.

The source noted that an argument had ensued between the couple after Funsho allegedly accused Iyanu of extramarital affairs.

The disagreement was said to have degenerated into a scuffle and during the ensuing scuffle, Iyanu allegedly stabbed Funsho in the chest.

 

The source said, “In the process of the fight, Mrs Iyanu, inflicted a wound on her husband’s chest with a domestic knife.

“She rushed him to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, where the doctor on duty confirmed him dead.”

Confirming the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, noted that the suspect had been arrested.

 

According to Odutola, Iyanu had reported herself to the Divisional Police Station in the area after the incident.

The PPRO noted that the suspect narrated that she took her husband to the hospital after realising that he was bleeding from the injury she had inflicted on him.

Odutola said, “On December 30, 2024, at about 12:15 PM, one Iyann Adedeji, a 22-year-old female residing at No. 3 Ifelodun Street, Unity Estate, Gbonagun, reported to the police station with a vehicle containing the body of her husband, Azeez Funsho Jimoh, a 28-year-old male who also lived at the same address.

“According to her, the deceased was her husband of eight years, with two children, one of whom is deceased.

“She stated that the deceased accused her of having an extramarital affair, leading to a physical altercation between them that morning. During the scuffle, the suspect allegedly inflicted a wound on the deceased’s chest with a domestic knife.”

The PPRO continued that the suspect had narrated that doctors on duty at the hospital confirmed him dead.

She narrated that the suspect was taken into custody and a preliminary investigation had commenced. police operatives

 

“Afterward, she rushed him to the Federal Medical Centre in Idi Aba, where medical professionals pronounced him dead.

“The suspect is currently in custody. Detectives visited the scene of the incident and recovered the knife.

“A preliminary investigation is underway, and the case will soon be handed over to the SCID for a more thorough investigation,” Odutola stated.

She concluded that because of the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, urged couples to avoid heated arguments and instead seek peaceful ways to resolve conflicts in their relationships.

Last modified on Monday, 13 January 2025 12:37

Hellen Mutimu, who alleges that she has a child with businessman Okechukwu Pascal, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has expressed gratitude to singer Burna Boy for fulfilling his promises to support her and her son.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, January 12, Hellen, visibly emotional, disclosed that Burna Boy had kept his word.

She said she had submitted all the necessary documents to an individual instructed by the singer and shared her mixed feelings of gratitude and relief.

 

Hellen had previously claimed that she and Cubana Chief Priest were involved in a sexual encounter three years ago, resulting in the birth of her now two year old son.

 

Her appeal for help gained traction after a video surfaced of her asking Nigerians for assistance due to her dire financial situation.

Last week, Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest engaged in a heated exchange on social media, during which the Grammy-winning artiste intervened in Hellen’s plight.

Burna Boy vowed to provide her with accommodation, employment, and access to education for her son. In his words:

 

“We will relocate you to Nigeria, give you shelter, put your son in school and give you a job.

“Also, by the grace of GOD, @burnaboyfootballacademy will build him into a football star. @luckyudu pls find her contact for me.”

Hellen’s story and Burna Boy’s intervention have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many applauding the singer’s humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding her allegations against Cubana Chief Priest. Watch Hellen speak below: