The ongoing speakership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly may soon be resolved following the intervention of key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Available information to newsmen indicate that both the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, may step aside for another lawmaker to take the helm in a bid to restore stability to the House.
The intervention follows the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who tasked a high-powered delegation—including former Osun, Ogun, and Lagos state governors, Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode—to mediate the crisis after the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) failed to broker peace.
Background of the Crisis
The crisis erupted on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa as Speaker, citing issues such as poor leadership, frequent absenteeism, abuse of office, and mismanagement of resources.
His removal led to the appointment of Meranda, who was serving as Deputy Speaker at the time.
Obasa, who was in Atlanta, United States, during his impeachment, has continued to reject the decision, asserting that proper legislative processes were not followed. “My status in the House? I strongly believe I am still the Speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it,” Obasa stated in a media briefing on January 25, 2025.
APC Leaders Step In
Following weeks of political uncertainty, APC leaders convened at the Lagos State Governor’s Lodge in Marina on Sunday to deliberate on a lasting solution.
The meeting, attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former governors, and GAC members, lasted until the evening and was preceded by consultations with lawmakers.
Speaking to newsmen, a GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, revealed that party leaders are considering a new Speaker from Lagos West to replace both Obasa and Meranda.
“The issue will die down soon. Between now and the middle of next week, everything will become clearer. The APC leaders, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, came to mediate,” Taiwo stated.
“They will go back to Abuja to brief our leader (Tinubu) on their findings. The proposal is for both Obasa and Meranda to step down, making way for a new Speaker. They are reviewing a shortlist of seven senior-ranking lawmakers from Lagos West, which will be submitted to the President for final consideration.”
Political Considerations in Speaker Selection
In determining the next Speaker, APC leaders are reportedly keen on maintaining regional balance in the state’s leadership.
A lawmaker from Lagos Central is unlikely to be chosen, as the zone already holds the governorship with Sanwo-Olu. This consideration favors Lagos West, home to several senior-ranking legislators.
“The House operates based on seniority. Any lawmaker who has served two or more terms is eligible for a higher position over first-term member. The final decision will ultimately rest with President Tinubu,” Taiwo added.
Implications of the Resolution
The resolution of the crisis is expected to restore legislative stability in the state. Prolonged political discord within the Assembly has raised concerns about governance efficiency and policy execution.
Additionally, an unresolved leadership crisis could weaken APC’s internal unity and its standing in future elections.
For Lagos residents, the controversy has stalled key legislative actions, with some lawmakers prioritizing political maneuvering over governance.
A new Speaker, ideally one with broad acceptance, could foster reconciliation within the House and restore its focus on legislative duties.
With APC leaders now set to present their recommendations to President Tinubu, a final decision on the speakership is expected in the coming days.
If the proposal to replace both Obasa and Meranda is accepted, the Lagos State House of Assembly could soon see a new leader at the helm, marking an end to weeks of political tension.
