President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a crucial meeting on Wednesday with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, attended by key legislative figures including Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, took place behind closed doors as part of efforts to resolve the recent leadership tussle within the Assembly.
Background and Leadership Crisis
The Lagos State House of Assembly had been embroiled in a leadership crisis since January 13, 2025, when Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was controversially removed by more than two-thirds of the 40-member house.
His removal was linked to alleged misconduct and other accusations, leading to the election of Mojisola Meranda as the first female Speaker in the history of the South-West legislative body.
Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his ousting, rejected the decision, claiming that the process was illegitimate. However, a majority of the lawmakers stood by their decision, asserting that Meranda’s leadership was legitimate and final.
Resolution and Reconciliation
After weeks of political uncertainty and internal wrangling, a turning point was reached on March 3, when Obasa was re-elected as Speaker following Meranda’s resignation. Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, formally stepped down during a plenary session, allowing for Obasa’s reinstatement.
Her decision was met with widespread praise from her colleagues, who commended her leadership and willingness to adhere to the internal rules and regulations of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following her resignation, she was immediately re-elected as the Deputy Speaker, solidifying the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining party unity and stability.
Meeting with President Tinubu
The meeting with President Tinubu was a significant move towards reinforcing peace and unity within the Lagos legislative body. Lawmakers arrived at the State House in two white buses, with Deputy Speaker Meranda arriving first, followed by Speaker Obasa a few minutes later.
After the closed-door discussions, lawmakers were seen joyfully chanting, “On your mandate, we shall stand,” while hailing the President as he departed for his office. One of the attendees confirmed that “everything has been resolved,” though an official statement is yet to be released regarding the details of the meeting.
Political Implications
The resolution of the leadership crisis in Lagos State House of Assembly marks a critical moment for the APC in Lagos and beyond. It underscores the influence of President Tinubu in stabilizing party affairs and ensuring a unified front ahead of future political engagements.
The intervention also highlights the party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes and maintaining political order.
As the Lagos Assembly moves forward under Obasa’s leadership, all eyes will be on how effectively the lawmakers collaborate to advance legislative progress in the state.
Meanwhile, the APC leadership is expected to continue engaging with party stakeholders to prevent future conflicts and ensure smooth governance in Lagos, the political and economic nerve center of Nigeria.
