Breaking News: Executive-Legislative Rift Deepens as Obasa Orders Sanwo-Olu to Withdraw Letters Issued to Unconfirmed Appointees
A fresh Executive-Legislative showdown is unfolding in Lagos State as the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has directed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to withdraw appointment letters issued to appointees who have not been cleared by the legislature.
During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers expressed outrage over what they described as a “growing practice of political appointees assuming office without the constitutionally required confirmation of the House.”
Speaker Obasa, who reclaimed his seat earlier this year after a brief removal, described the development as a direct affront to the authority of the Assembly. He held the Head of Service responsible for issuing appointment letters without clearance and announced that the official would be summoned for questioning.
“This practice is a direct challenge to legislative authority and tests the powers of the House,” Obasa declared, insisting that Governor Sanwo-Olu must immediately revoke all letters issued to unconfirmed appointees.
The resolution followed a motion titled “Need for Government Appointees to Appear Before the House for Confirmation”, which drew strong support across party lines.
Hon. Setonji David, Deputy Chief Whip, cited Sections 126 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that no public officer should assume office without legislative screening, warning that such actions undermine accountability and the principle of separation of powers.
Hon. Desmond Elliot called the development “an insult to the House,” adding that no appointee or institution should operate in defiance of Lagos laws.
Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh lamented that some agencies function without legal frameworks, eroding due process in a state founded on the rule of law.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe reminded aspiring public officials that confirmation is not “a mere formality but a safeguard to ensure competence, integrity, and good character.”
Hon. Kehinde Joseph demanded sanctions for repeated breaches of constitutional procedure, adding that any funds spent by unconfirmed officers should be refunded to the state coffers.
Hon. Rasheed Shabi also condemned the trend, describing it as a flagrant disregard for legislative authority and a “direct affront to the Constitution.”
Concluding deliberations, Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward the Assembly’s resolution to the Governor for immediate implementation.