Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, has denied the governor’s involvement in the ouster of Mudashiru Obasa as the speaker of the state assembly.

Mr Obasa’s nearly-a-decade tenure as the speaker of the Lagos assembly came to a surprising end on Monday when 32 out of the 40 lawmakers voted for his impeachment, alleging gross financial misconduct and abuse of power. This followed series of investigations by media outlets, particularly Peoples Gazette, exposing how Mr Obasa diverted public funds into his private accounts, amid other financial infractions.

However, many have speculated that Mr Obasa’s impeachment was connected to an unresolved rift between the removed speaker and top stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress in Lagos.

Mr Akosile, who addressed journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, denied rumours that Mr Sanwo-Olu had a hand in the development, insisting the impeachment was purely a legislative matter.

“There is absolutely nothing true about that. I mean, no, the governor does not have a hand in it. It was purely a legislative matter,” Mr Akosile stated.

Mr Akosile added that Mr Sanwo-Olu was preoccupied with important issues aimed at developing the state and serving Lagosians.

He said, “The governor is busy with serious matters, busy with taking care of the over 20 million Lagos population. What happened in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly was purely the prerogative of the legislators. I mean, we saw in the media, just like you, that the legislators removed the speaker. We watched like every other person. The governor must have watched it like any other person.”