Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has cautioned immediate past chairmen of local governments and local council development areas (LG/LCDA) in Lagos State against interfering in the affairs of their successors.

Obasa issued the warning during a meeting with the newly elected council chairmen, held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday, September 23. It was the second such meeting within a month.

Expressing displeasure over reports of undue influence by former chairmen, the Speaker condemned instances where some ex-chairmen were allegedly still signing cheques in connivance with council treasurers and managers.

Addressing the new chairmen, Obasa declared:
“How can you be answerable to your predecessors? What you owe them is honour, not control. They have done their bit, and everybody is grateful. You are the ones in the saddle now, so take charge.”

Warning the former council bosses, Obasa added:
“Let the new chairmen breathe. Let the public see that there are new sheriffs in town. Don’t take their shine. Remove your grip from their necks.”

The Speaker further frowned at attempts by ex-chairmen to pressure their successors into servicing loans they inherited without due diligence. He advised the new chairmen to carefully review financial records before making repayments and, where possible, renegotiate loan terms in the interest of their constituents.

He stressed:
“Four years is not a long time in politics. If the public does not see what you are doing in four months, you have created a wrong impression. We manage many interests as politicians, but never at the detriment of the people.”

On a separate note, Obasa expressed concern over recent cases of deaths among council officials, describing the development as unprecedented and worrisome. He urged chairmen to prioritise their health through regular medical checks while also focusing on the welfare of their communities