Honourable Desmond Elliot, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding the January 2025 impeachment notice against Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, following recent remarks by Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a detailed clarification, Hon. Elliot explained that he signed the impeachment notice after returning from an overseas trip, under the strong impression that the move had the backing of the Presidency. He emphasized that he was not involved in planning or masterminding any plot against the Speaker.
“I was very shocked when I saw the video and the claims. During that period, my wife and I travelled to South Africa for my wife’s younger sister’s wedding. I was out of the country when the initial impeachment occurred on January 13, 2025,” Elliot stated. “Upon my return, I found that many members had already signed, and the prevailing information at the time was that the action had presidential support. In all fairness, I appended my signature as one of the later signatories.”
Elliot noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later intervened, clarifying that the move did not emanate from him, leading to the reinstatement of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. The impeachment was subsequently nullified by the courts.
Addressing Gbajabiamila’s recent revelation that allegations linking Elliot to the crisis nearly cost the Chief of Staff his position, Elliot expressed deep shock and remorse. He referred to Gbajabiamila as his “leader” and “daddy,” tendering an unreserved apology for any misunderstanding or distress caused.
“I was beyond shocked by my leader’s comments. He has been there for me, and to hear that this situation almost affected him came as a huge shock. I apologise if any of my actions caused him pain. To err is human,” he added.
Elliot maintained that he did not mastermind the impeachment and knew nothing about it while abroad. He called for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Lagos State House of Assembly, urging all parties to put the matter behind them in the interest of good governance and party cohesion ahead of future elections.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and the leadership of the APC, pledging continued dedication to legislative duties and the development of Surulere and Lagos State.