Obasa leadership decade milestone earns praise from Lagos Assembly as members propose legislative institute and awards to honour his service

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Obasa leadership decade milestone was celebrated on Tuesday by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who unanimously applauded the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for his 10 years of progressive and impactful leadership.

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The Assembly also proposed the establishment of a legislative institute and an annual awards ceremony to honour and immortalise Obasa’s legislative legacy.

Speaker Obasa, who became the longest-serving Speaker in the history of the Lagos Assembly this June, is set to complete 12 years in office by 2027.

His milestone surpasses that of Rt. Hon. Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who served for nine years and four months.

Despite a brief interruption in January following a failed leadership shake-up, Obasa was reinstated in March—an outcome that underscored his strong political influence and the respect he commands among his colleagues.

At the plenary, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2) moved the motion under “Matters of Urgent Public Importance,” describing the Obasa leadership decade milestone as one deserving institutional recognition. He noted the Speaker’s mature and tactical handling of internal political tension as a mark of peerless leadership.

Echoing these sentiments, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja Constituency 2) praised Obasa as “a great listener and actionable leader,” whose role as mentor and stabiliser has shaped the House’s cohesion.

Whatever I became today, Almighty Allah used people for me. My colleagues, without your support, there is no way I can serve for 10 years. The only commemorative gift I ask is that we always put the House first.

Hon. Owolabi Ajani (Lagos Mainland Constituency 1) declared Obasa “the greatest speaker of our time,” praising his legislative sophistication and political tenacity, which he said had earned him the admiration of stakeholders across Lagos.

Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere Constituency 1) applauded Obasa’s consistent commitment to legislation that prioritises citizens.

He encouraged the Speaker to document his experience and political philosophy in a book to guide future lawmakers.

In reinforcing the motion, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) advocated the proposed legislative institute and annual awards as fitting tributes to the Speaker’s lasting legacy.

Visibly moved, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues, constituents, and leaders who supported his political journey, especially President Bola Tinubu and the people of Agege.

“Whatever I became today, Almighty Allah used people for me,” Obasa said.

“My colleagues, without your support, there is no way I can serve for 10 years. The only commemorative gift I ask is that we always put the House first.”

Also read: Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa: The heart of Agege, the pride of Lagos

The Obasa leadership decade milestone remains a rare achievement in Nigeria’s democratic history, reflecting not just longevity in office, but a strategic ability to steer legislative progress amidst evolving political currents.