The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated, with 35 lawmakers rejecting the return of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, insisting that the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, remains the legitimate leader of the legislative chamber.
Obasa, who was removed by the lawmakers, staged a dramatic return to the Assembly on Thursday with his security details restored.
He convened a plenary session with only four lawmakers in attendance and declared himself as the rightful Speaker.
Obasa Insists on Legitimacy
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly. I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process,” Obasa told reporters at the Assembly premises.
His bold return followed a meeting between prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the lawmakers.
Among the party leaders involved in resolving the crisis were former governors of Osun and Ogun states, Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, along with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The panel reportedly recommended that both Obasa and Meranda step down, allowing a new Speaker to emerge from Lagos West Senatorial District. However, lawmakers rejected this resolution, backing Meranda’s continued leadership.
Presidential Influence in Obasa’s Return?
There are growing indications that the presidency played a role in Obasa’s reinstatement, with sources confirming that he met with APC leaders close to President Bola Tinubu at Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday night.
“The meeting started late Wednesday and ended in the early hours of Thursday. The confidence of Obasa’s aides indicated that something significant was about to happen,” an insider disclosed.
Following this meeting, Obasa’s security escorts were restored, and he returned to the Assembly, a move perceived by political observers as a strategic power play.
An APC leader close to Tinubu described Obasa’s actions as a “massive political statement,” hinting at a shift in Lagos’ political landscape. He also speculated that the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which has long played a key role in Lagos politics, might be disbanded or significantly weakened.
“Obasa’s return signals the diminishing influence of the GAC. The fact that the President had to intervene suggests the old order in Lagos APC politics is changing,” he said.
Security Tightened at Assembly Complex
Amid the unfolding drama, a heavy security presence has been observed at the Assembly complex. Armed police officers, task force operatives, and mobile police units were deployed in large numbers, securing the premises and restricting movement.
A staff member of the Assembly noted that the heightened security started on Thursday and intensified on Friday as the crisis deepened.
“The Assembly is usually buzzing with activity, but today, the place is deserted. The security presence is unusual, and it shows the seriousness of the situation,” she said.
Legal Battle in Court
The crisis took a legal turn on Friday as a suit filed by Obasa challenging his removal came before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja. Obasa is contesting the constitutionality of the sitting during which he was ousted, arguing that the Assembly was on recess at the time.
However, a mild drama ensued in court when two lawyers claimed to be representing the Assembly.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana appeared for the Assembly, while another lawyer, Abang Mkpandiok, argued that he had been newly briefed to represent the legislative house.
Justice Pinheiro deferred the decision on legal representation, scheduling March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.
Meranda Responds, Lawmakers Stand Firm
Following the court session, Speaker Meranda confirmed that her full security detail had not been restored. She dismissed Obasa’s claim to the Speakership, describing his actions as a “show of shame.”
“To me, that was just a drama. In our job, we have numbers that form a quorum. If you are sitting with three or four members, you are simply staging a play,” she remarked.
Assembly spokesperson Ogundipe Olukayode reaffirmed that 35 lawmakers, including Meranda, remain united against Obasa’s return.
“We are still consulting with our leaders and committed to our party.
However, we stand by our decision, and the House will reconvene soon,” he said.
David Setonji, representing Badagry Constituency II, also voiced strong support for Meranda, stating, “Obasa was rejected, and he is not coming back.”
Political Fallout and APC’s Stance
The crisis has caused divisions within the Lagos APC, with some factions supporting Obasa while others rally behind Meranda. A lawmaker, speaking anonymously, alleged that President Tinubu is backing Obasa, further complicating efforts to resolve the impasse.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, stated that the advisory council had given private counsel to the warring factions.
APC Lagos State Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo urged peace, dismissing claims that the President was involved in the crisis.
As tensions rise, the future of Lagos Assembly leadership remains uncertain. While Obasa appears to have regained some ground, the majority of lawmakers remain opposed to his return. With a legal battle pending and political maneuvers at play, Lagosians watch closely to see how the crisis unfolds in the coming weeks.
