The impeachment of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has opened another chapter of controversy, this time surrounding the authenticity of his legal qualifications. A document from the Supreme Court of Nigeria has revealed that Obasa’s name is absent from the Roll of Legal Practitioners, raising suspicions of falsified credentials.
Obasa’s impeachment on Monday, January 15, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office had already made headlines. However, the emergence of this new allegation has further intensified scrutiny of his political career.
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The Supreme Court Document
A Supreme Court letter dated July 24, 2020, signed by Gertrude Karenton-Mordi on behalf of the Chief Registrar, is at the center of the controversy. The letter, in response to a verification request, stated:
> “WE HAVE CHECKED OUR RECORDS AND CANNOT FIND THE NAME: MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA ON THE NUMEROUS ROLLS OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS KEPT IN THIS HONOURABLE COURT. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA IS AT LIBERTY TO COME TO THIS HONOURABLE COURT WITH HIS CALL TO BAR AND QUALIFYING CERTIFICATES FOR ENROLMENT. IF HE HAS DONE A CHANGE OF NAME, HE IS EXPECTED TO SHOW PROOF OF SAME.”
The document has cast doubts on Obasa’s claim of obtaining a law degree from Lagos State University (LASU) in 2006 and his qualification as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Supreme Court Spokesman Confirms Letter
Dr. Festus Akande, spokesman for the Supreme Court, confirmed the document’s authenticity, further validating concerns about Obasa’s legal credentials.
How the Allegations Emerged
The controversy began with an anonymous request for verification sent to the Supreme Court on July 23, 2020. The court’s response, recently circulated on social media, has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about Obasa’s academic claims.
During his tenure as Speaker, Obasa’s purported legal background bolstered his political image. However, the Supreme Court’s findings have now cast a shadow over his credibility.
Political and Legal Fallout
The fallout from these revelations could be far-reaching. If Obasa is proven to have falsified his legal qualifications, he may face criminal charges alongside the political consequences of his impeachment. The allegations have also reignited calls for stringent vetting of public officials’ academic and professional credentials.
Public reactions to the scandal have been swift, with many Nigerians demanding a thorough investigation. Political analysts suggest this could set a precedent for scrutinizing the qualifications of other public office holders.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has invited Obasa to present proof of his qualifications, including his Call to Bar certificate and evidence of any name changes. Failure to comply could lead to formal investigations and further tarnish his political legacy.
As Nigerians await further developments, this case underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in public office. Attempts by TJ News Nigeria to contact Mudashiru Obasa for clarification have so far been unsuccessful, as text messages and emails went unanswered.
For the embattled former Speaker, the stakes are higher than ever. His ability to clear his name will determine not only his political future but also the broader implications of this controversy on governance in Nigeria.
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