Obasa Issues Stern Warning to Former Lagos LG Chairmen: “Let New Chairmen Breathe”

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has admonished former local government chairmen in Lagos State to desist from meddling in the affairs of their successors. Speaking at a recent meeting with the newly elected chairmen, Obasa warned that the outgoing council leaders should release their grip on the reins of governance and allow the new chairmen to perform their duties without undue interference.

Obasa, who convened the meeting inside the Lateef Jakande auditorium of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday, September 23, expressed disapproval of the continuing influence some past chairmen are allegedly exerting on their successors. In some extreme cases, the Speaker revealed, a number of former chairmen have been signing cheques in collusion with council treasurers and managers, undermining the authority of the new administrations.

Addressing the incoming chairmen, Obasa posed a pointed question: “How can you be answerable to your predecessors? What you owe them is honour, not control.” He encouraged the new leaders to “take charge” of their offices, emphasizing that the former chairmen had already “done their bit” and were deserving of respect but not dominance over current administrations.

The Speaker underscored the need for new chairmen to assert their independence, stating, “Let the new chairmen breathe. Let the public see that there are new sheriffs in town and that they are doing a good job. Let their work show. Don’t take their shine. Remove your grip on their necks.”

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Furthermore, Obasa reminded the incoming leaders to exercise due diligence with regard to council finances, particularly loans left by their predecessors. He advised them to review the loan documents carefully and renegotiate terms if necessary to benefit their constituents.

The call by Obasa aims to promote autonomy, accountability, and smooth transitions within Lagos’ local government councils, ensuring that governance at the grassroots level is effective and free of undue influence from past officeholders.

This warning reiterates the importance of leadership continuity through respect for democratic processes and the empowerment of newly elected officials to deliver on their mandates without obstruction.