The Lagos State House of Assembly, under the firm leadership of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, once again lived up to its constitutional responsibility on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, when it raised concerns over the worrying practice of political appointees assuming office without legislative confirmation.
To discerning minds, this was no political storm. It was not a rift, neither was it a quarrel between the Executive and the Legislature.
It was, in fact, the Lagos State Legislature performing its core duty under the Nigerian Constitution. Yet, to the surprise of many citizens, some online bloggers hurriedly framed the development with sensational captions such as “Political Storms Rage Again in Lagos State” or “Obasa Sets for Another Showdown with Sanwo-Olu.”
Such misleading framing does more harm than good. It distracts citizens from the essence of governance and creates an illusion of conflict where none exists. Worse still, it undermines the confidence of the people in their democratic institutions by peddling half-truths.
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is unequivocal on the requirement for legislative confirmation at the State level:
Section 192(2): “Any appointment to the office of Commissioner of the Government of a State shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the House of Assembly of the State, be made by the Governor of that State.”
Section 196(2): “The Governor shall appoint the Secretary to the Government of the State, Head of the Civil Service of the State, and Commissioners with the confirmation of the House of Assembly of the State.”
Section 126(2): “The Auditor-General for a State shall be appointed by the Governor of the State on the recommendation of the State Civil Service Commission, subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly of the State.”
Section 4(7): further empowers a State House of Assembly to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the State.
Section 128(2)(b): authorizes the House to “expose corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence.”
Therefore, when the Lagos State House of Assembly insists that appointees must appear before it for confirmation, it is not engaging in political grandstanding. It is simply upholding the Constitution and safeguarding accountability.
So, one must ask:
Why should political meanings be hastily read into every resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly whenever it discharges its lawful duties?
Why do certain online media outlets thrive on creating unnecessary friction between the Executive and Legislature; two arms of government that are, in fact, partners in governance under the doctrine of separation of powers?
Should the pursuit of online traffic and sensational headlines come at the expense of truth, clarity, and democratic education?
It is reckless and irresponsible journalism to reduce constitutional duties to mere political theatrics. When that happens, the media ceases to inform and instead begins to mislead, thereby weakening the public’s trust in institutions that exist to protect them.
It is no secret that across Nigeria’s thirty-six (36) States, most State Assemblies are considered mere extensions of the Executive. They lack independence, autonomy, and courage. Lagos State, however, stands tall as a remarkable exception, a Legislature with what can rightly be called “the uncommon standard.”
Are Lagosians not proud that their Legislature is not a puppet of the Executive?
Would citizens prefer a rubber-stamp Assembly that shirks its constitutional duty simply to avoid headlines of supposed “political rifts”?
Or is the discomfort, in reality, with the Speaker himself, a leader who deeply understands legislative business and boldly asserts the powers given to the Legislature by the Constitution?
Dr. Mudashiru Obasa is not just another politician; he is an inimitable legislative phenomenon. Experience, after all, counts in politics. As the saying goes: “The older the wine, the sweeter it becomes.”
From his days as a Councillor in 1999, to becoming a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003, and serving continuously since then, Obasa has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most enduring lawmakers. His leadership has seen him serve as Speaker for three consecutive terms, a feat few can match, while also held the position of Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria.
Under his stewardship, the Lagos State House of Assembly has not only maintained its autonomy but has also risen to a global pedestal. Legislatures from other Nigerian States routinely come to Lagos to learn best practices. Parliaments from across Africa and beyond have sought collaboration, recognizing Lagos as a shining model of legislative independence.
This pedigree explains why Dr. Obasa is able to interpret legislative proceedings and exercise institutional powers with precision. It is not arrogance. It is experience, competence, and mastery of democratic governance.
To permanently address misinterpretations and enlighten citizens and journalists on democratic processes, I urge the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, to sponsor a bill establishing an Institute of Democratic Governance.
If Lagos becomes the first State in Nigeria to create such an institute, it will solidify its leadership in democratic innovation. The institute would serve as a training ground for public officers, journalists, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens. It would also deepen public understanding of separation of powers, legislative authority, and accountability.
Such an institute would be a lasting legacy, reducing sensationalism, enhancing civic education, and ensuring Lagosians appreciate the true workings of democracy.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has neither exceeded its powers nor acted contrary to law by insisting on legislative confirmation of political appointees. On the contrary, it has fulfilled its sacred mandate.
The Legislature is not an enemy of the Executive; it is a constitutional partner. The Speaker and members of the House deserve commendation for defending the rule of law, not condemnation through misleading headlines.
As citizens, we should applaud a Legislature that sets the standard for accountability across Nigeria. After all, a democracy where Legislatures are weak is a democracy perpetually at risk.
Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa stands today as a testament to legislative excellence, a leader who has placed Lagos on the global map of democratic governance. His legacy, like fine wine, only grows richer with time.
*Olayiwola Rasheed Emmanuel is an Engineer, Poet, Journalist, Broadcaster, PR Strategist, Prolific Writer, and Politician. He was the Former Special Adviser on Environment, Information, and Civic Engagement to the immediate past Chairman of Agege Local Government.