Impeached Lagos Speaker’s Law School Credentials Under Scrutiny
The woes of recently impeached Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, deepened as a document from the Supreme Court of Nigeria revealed that his name is not listed in the official roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
The document, dated July 24, 2020, and signed by Gertrude Karenton-Mordi on behalf of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, was in response to a request to verify Obasa’s status as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court.
The response was, “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.”
Supreme Court spokesperson, Dr. Festus Akande, confirmed the document’s authenticity, affirming that it originated from the court.
Obasa had previously claimed to have earned a law degree from Lagos State University in 2006. However, questions about his legal qualifications arose following a letter dated July 23, 2020, from an anonymous individual seeking verification of his enrollment in the Supreme Court’s Roll of Legal Practitioners.
The controversy comes in the wake of Obasa’s impeachment on Monday, which was attributed to allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. His removal has paved the way for Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The revelation has sparked fresh debates about integrity and accountability among public officials. If Obasa fails to provide evidence of his legal qualifications, the situation could escalate into legal and reputational challenges for the former Speaker.
Observers are keenly watching how this development unfolds, with calls for thorough investigations to ensure transparency in the administration of public office.
