The lawmaker representing Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has denied allegations linking him to the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in 2025.
Elliot’s denial comes amid claims reportedly made by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, suggesting that the former Nollywood actor played a leading role in the controversial removal of the Speaker.
“I almost lost my job as Chief of Staff because of Desmond Elliot. The President queried me saying he was causing problems in Lagos assembly, pitting Christians vs. Muslims…
— Femi Gbajabiamila at a town hall, as Desmond Elliot’s 4th term Surulere bid takes a hot blow. https://t.co/B3jXwmHiWv pic.twitter.com/ZJlpjnFtoN
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) May 14, 2026
Reacting to the allegations, Elliot insisted he was not involved in orchestrating the impeachment process and maintained that he was outside Nigeria at the time the decision was taken by lawmakers.
“I always seek his (Gbajabiamila) opinion. He’s my leader. I can’t speak about my leader, I’m trained not to.”
— Desmond Elliot, lawmaker, speaking on his relationship with Femi Gbajabiamila and his role during the Assembly leadership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa… pic.twitter.com/drUdo8uI9E
— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 19, 2026
According to him, he only signed the impeachment document after returning to the country and discovering that the majority of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly had already supported the move.
He further dismissed claims that he was directed to issue any public statement on the matter by Gbajabiamila, describing such suggestions as surprising and inaccurate.
“It came as a shock.”
Lawmaker Desmond Elliot reacts to comments made by Femi Gbajabiamila regarding the Mudashiru Obasa leadership crisis, admitting he was stunned to hear his ‘leader’ almost lost his position.#SunriseDaily pic.twitter.com/Dehx3K4pSW
— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 19, 2026
The lawmaker emphasized that the impeachment followed a collective decision of the House, rather than the influence of any single individual.
The controversy adds another layer to the political tension surrounding leadership changes within the Lagos legislature, which has continued to attract public and media attention since the incident.
