Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot has clarified his role in the 2025 impeachment attempt against former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, explaining that he signed the impeachment document under the belief that it had presidential approval.
Speaking during a television interview, Elliot said he was outside the country at the time of the incident, having travelled with his wife in January 2025 for a family wedding. He noted that while he was away, news of Obasa’s impeachment broke, and he was initially confused by the development.
According to him, most lawmakers had already signed the impeachment document, leading him to assume it was sanctioned at the highest level. He stated that he later appended his signature after returning briefly to the situation and seeing that many of his colleagues had already done so.
Elliot further explained that the lawmakers were later informed by President Bola Tinubu that the impeachment was not authorised and were instructed to reinstate the Speaker, which they complied with.
Reacting to comments suggesting he was involved in nearly causing political consequences over the matter, Elliot expressed surprise, describing the allegation as unexpected given his long-standing political relationships.
The impeachment episode, which began in January 2025, saw the Lagos State House of Assembly remove Speaker Obasa over allegations including misconduct and abuse of office. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was initially installed as Speaker before the situation was later reversed following political interventions and Obasa’s reinstatement.
