The Lagos State House of Assembly remains embroiled in an intense leadership crisis as the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, forcefully resumed office today, sparking widespread controversy and deepening the ongoing power struggle.
With only four lawmakers in attendance, Obasa presided over a controversial plenary session after security operatives allegedly breached the Assembly chambers, granting him and his loyalists access.
A House Divided
As of 3 pm today, over 26 lawmakers had boycotted the plenary in what appeared to be a show of solidarity with the substantive Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The lawmakers instead gathered at the Assembly’s garden, reaffirming their February 17 vote of confidence in Meranda and condemning Obasa’s return, which was reportedly aided by armed men and suspected political thugs.
One of the lawmakers, who chose to remain anonymous, declared that Obasa’s leadership would not be recognized.
“He was not elected as Speaker by his constituency. For nearly a decade, we endured his authoritarian style of leadership. Enough is enough, and we are not backing down,” the lawmaker asserted.
Meanwhile, Obasa’s supporters, including Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II), escorted him into the Assembly complex. Reports indicate that his loyalists forcefully broke into the Speaker’s office, while suspected political thugs occupied key areas of the complex, issuing threats and vowing to take control of all legislative offices.
Access roads leading to the Assembly were also blocked by individuals believed to be Obasa’s supporters, who arrived in unmarked buses, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
Leadership Reacts
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, condemned the unfolding drama and called for calm.
“This is the Lagos State House of Assembly, and what we are witnessing today is shocking. If there are issues, leadership should address us directly, not resort to this kind of display,” he lamented.
Describing the situation as an embarrassment, Ogundipe revealed that security operatives had prevented him from accessing the complex, raising concerns about external interference in the Assembly’s affairs.
Possible Outcomes of the Power Tussle
The ongoing battle for control over the Lagos State House of Assembly presents several possible scenarios, each carrying its own implications for governance in the state.
1. A Legal Showdown
Given the constitutional implications of the crisis, the Lagos State Government, or even the judiciary, may be forced to intervene to restore order. If the legal route is taken, a court ruling could either reaffirm Meranda as Speaker or validate Obasa’s claim to the position. However, legal battles can be prolonged, leaving the House in further disarray and delaying legislative functions.
2. State Government Intervention
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership may step in to broker peace between both factions. If the ruling party throws its weight behind either candidate, it could force a resolution. However, if party leaders fail to act decisively, the crisis may spiral further out of control, affecting governance and policy implementation in the state.
3. Security Agencies Clamp Down
With reports of security operatives allegedly aiding Obasa’s return, concerns have been raised about undue interference. If the Federal Government or Lagos State security forces take drastic measures, such as deploying additional forces to maintain order, it could either stabilize the Assembly or further escalate tensions, depending on how force is applied.
4. Prolonged Political Unrest
Should neither faction back down, the Lagos State House of Assembly could become a battleground for continuous political fights, making it difficult to pass laws or implement critical decisions. Such a scenario would weaken governance, affect budget approvals, and stall key legislative projects in the state.
5. Mass Defections or Impeachment Moves
If Meranda’s faction continues to hold the majority, they could initiate impeachment proceedings against Obasa, citing his alleged forceful return and use of intimidation tactics. Conversely, if Obasa regains control, Meranda and her allies may face political marginalization, forcing some lawmakers to defect to new political alliances ahead of future elections.
Implications for Lagos Governance
The leadership crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly comes at a time when the state faces pressing economic and infrastructural challenges. Legislative disruptions threaten the approval of vital bills, budgets, and development policies. Moreover, prolonged political instability could impact investor confidence in the state’s economy.
Observers argue that the crisis is more than just a power struggle; it reflects deeper issues of political dominance, internal party struggles, and the fight for influence ahead of the next election cycle.
A Resolution Needed Urgently
As the crisis drags on, it is imperative for political leaders in Lagos to prioritize stability over personal ambitions. A negotiated settlement, mediated by neutral parties within the government and APC leadership, may be the best way forward.
Without a swift resolution, the Lagos State House of Assembly risks becoming a symbol of political dysfunction, with the ultimate losers being the citizens who rely on their elected representatives for governance and progress.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Lagos lawmakers can overcome this impasse or if the Assembly will remain locked in an unending power tussle.
The coming weeks will reveal if compromise is possible or if the state’s legislature is headed for a prolonged period of instability.
