Desmond Elliot Explains Support for Obasa’s Removal

Desmond Elliot Explains Support for Obasa’s Removal

Lawmaker and actor Desmond Elliot has reacted to fresh revelations surrounding the January 2025 leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, explaining why he initially supported the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

The controversy resurfaced after Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, reportedly disclosed details of behind-the-scenes interventions that eventually led to the reversal of Obasa’s removal.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Elliot said he was outside the country in South Africa attending a wedding when the political drama unfolded.

According to him, he returned to Nigeria confused about the situation and signed documents supporting the leadership change because he believed the move had the backing of the presidency.

Elliot explained that he assumed the decision reflected the position of influential party leaders and therefore acted based on trust and political loyalty.

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“I came back and met a situation on ground. I honestly thought it had approval from above,” he reportedly stated during the interview.

The Surulere lawmaker also reacted to comments credited to Gbajabiamila, who allegedly said he defended Elliot before President Tinubu during the crisis.

Responding to the disclosure, Elliot expressed surprise that the conversation had become public, saying he remained loyal to his political leaders and preferred not to openly challenge internal party structures.

“I was shocked to hear that publicly, but he is my leader,” Elliot said while commenting on Gbajabiamila’s remarks.

The January 2025 crisis briefly shook the Lagos Assembly after a group of lawmakers moved against Obasa over allegations of misconduct and leadership concerns. However, the rebellion was later reversed following reported intervention by President Tinubu and senior figures within the All Progressives Congress.

The episode exposed deep factional divisions within Lagos APC politics, with competing blocs reportedly struggling for influence ahead of future political realignments in the state.

Political analysts say the incident highlighted the continued influence of Tinubu over Lagos politics, especially in resolving internal disputes within the ruling party.

The renewed public discussion surrounding Elliot’s role has also triggered reactions online, with critics questioning why lawmakers would support major political decisions without independently verifying the source or legitimacy of directives.

Supporters of the actor-turned-politician, however, argued that party discipline and hierarchy often shape decision-making within Nigerian political structures.

The development has once again drawn attention to internal power dynamics within the Lagos APC and the broader influence of political godfathers in Nigeria’s political system.

Desmond Elliot Explains Support for Obasa’s Removal