The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has called on newly elected local government and local council development area (LCDA) chairmen to resist undue influence from their predecessors and take full control of their offices.
Addressing the council leaders during a meeting at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday, September 23, the Speaker stressed that effective governance demands independence, accountability, and visible service delivery.
According to Obasa, reports of some immediate past chairmen continuing to wield authority—allegedly signing cheques in collusion with council treasurers and managers—undermine both public trust and the authority of the new administrations.
“You owe your predecessors respect, not subservience,” the Speaker charged. “They have played their part, but the responsibility now rests on you. The people must see that a new leadership is in place, one that is capable of delivering results.”
He further warned that attempts by former chairmen to pressure incumbents into servicing inherited loans without due diligence could have damaging financial implications. Obasa urged the new chairmen to carefully scrutinise liabilities, renegotiate where possible, and ensure that council resources are applied transparently for the benefit of constituents.
“Four years in politics is not long. If the public cannot see meaningful progress within four months, the wrong impression is created,” he said, underscoring the need for early impact in office.
On health and welfare, the Speaker expressed concern over recent reports of deaths among council officials in the state, describing the trend as unprecedented. He encouraged the new chairmen to prioritise regular health checks for themselves while ensuring that the well-being of their people remains central to governance.
Earlier, during plenary, members of the House celebrated the 65th birthday of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Lawmakers praised her humanitarian initiatives, steadfast public service, and role in sustaining the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), describing her as a model of continuity in governance.
Speaker Obasa, presiding over the session, commended Senator Tinubu’s record of service as both a lawmaker and First Lady, calling her a “woman of exceptional commitment and influence whose contributions continue to shape lives across Nigeria.”
