The Lagos State House of Assembly recently witnessed an unprecedented leadership crisis that lasted for nearly 50 days, culminating in the resignation of Mojisola Meranda and the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
This development, driven by political mediation and party supremacy, has significantly impacted the legislative atmosphere, shaping both governance and the internal dynamics of the House.
The crisis erupted on January 13, 2025, when over 30 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa while he was on a trip to the United States.
His deputy, Meranda, was swiftly installed as Speaker, marking a historic moment as the first female to hold the position. However, Obasa vehemently rejected his removal, approaching the court to challenge the legality of the move.
Recognizing the potential instability this could cause within the Assembly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, including prominent figures such as former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, intervened.
Their objective was to mediate and restore order, ensuring that party unity and political interests remained paramount.
The Resolution and Political Realignment
Following extensive deliberations involving the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and party stakeholders, a resolution was reached.
Meranda, in a move she described as a “personal sacrifice,” stepped down from her position on March 4, 2025. Her resignation speech emphasized democratic stability and party loyalty, reaffirming her commitment to governance.
“I am not a quitter,” she stated, “but I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.”
With Meranda’s resignation, Obasa was re-elected Speaker, with all principal officers appointed under her leadership also stepping down.
Although initial reports suggested that Obasa would also resign as part of the resolution, recent statements from party officials indicate that his resignation remains uncertain and ultimately at his discretion.
Impact on the Assembly’s Legislative Tone
The reinstatement of Obasa and the forced resignation of Meranda have had a profound impact on the Assembly’s atmosphere.
The episode has reinforced the long-standing tradition of party supremacy over individual ambitions. Lawmakers openly acknowledged the party’s authority, emphasizing their commitment to unity and stability.
Despite expressions of support and admiration for Meranda’s leadership, the tone within the Assembly is now more cautious, with legislators prioritizing party directives over personal or political affiliations.
Observers note a return to a more controlled and hierarchical legislative structure, where decisions are made collectively in deference to the ruling party’s directives.
During the plenary session following Obasa’s reinstatement, lawmakers expressed emotional farewells to Meranda, recognizing her contributions while also reaffirming their alignment with the APC leadership. Some lawmakers, including Desmond Elliot, were visibly emotional, with Elliot reportedly holding back tears during the proceedings.
Legal and Political Ramifications
One unresolved issue remains the lawsuit Obasa filed against the Assembly and Meranda to challenge his removal. While Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), stated that the decision to withdraw the case rests solely with his client, the hearing has been scheduled for March 7, 2025. If the case proceeds, it could introduce further complications, testing the durability of the recent political settlement.
Meanwhile, security around the Assembly has been heightened, with a heavy presence of police and security operatives ensuring order and preventing any possible disruptions. The restricted access to journalists and the tightened security measures suggest an effort to maintain stability following the contentious leadership shift.
The crisis and its resolution have set a precedent for legislative leadership in Lagos.
The episode has reaffirmed the APC’s control over political affairs in the state, with party decisions taking precedence over individual aspirations.
However, questions remain about how this power dynamic will evolve, particularly if Obasa chooses to remain in office despite earlier indications that he would step down.
Going forward, the Assembly is expected to focus on restoring public confidence and resuming legislative duties without further distractions.
However, the underlying tensions that fueled the crisis may still linger, requiring continued mediation and strategic leadership to prevent a recurrence.
As Lagosians look on, the key question remains: Will the Assembly truly emerge stronger from this episode, or is this a temporary resolution to deeper political fractures?
