Mudashiru Obasa’s unexpected return to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday has plunged the legislative body into deeper turmoil.
Obasa, who was removed as Speaker by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, arrived with security personnel and entered the Speaker’s Office around 9 a.m., shocking political stakeholders and the public.
This move casts doubt on the efficacy of interventions by prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures, including former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, who had attempted to resolve the leadership crisis following Obasa’s removal and Mojisola Meranda’s subsequent appointment.
Efforts by Akande, Osoba, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other party leaders, including meetings with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and lawmakers, appeared to have failed.
The GAC had reportedly recommended Obasa’s resignation and Meranda’s stepping down to facilitate the election of a new Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial District, a recommendation reportedly drafted by President Tinubu’s mediating panel.
However, the situation dramatically shifted when Meranda’s security detail was abruptly withdrawn, and Obasa received new security escorts. Although Meranda’s security was later restored, the Lagos State Police Command’s explanation of a personnel audit raised further questions.
The police also acknowledged providing security to Obasa due to alleged threats against his life, denying any involvement in his return to the Speaker’s office and maintaining neutrality in the ongoing dispute.
The 36 lawmakers who initially ousted Obasa convened a media briefing to express their shock and disapproval of his return.
Led by House spokesperson Olukayode Ogundipe, they criticized the lack of communication from party leadership and asserted their rejection of Obasa’s reinstatement. They emphasized their commitment to upholding the law and demanded respect for their elected positions. Shortly after, they chanted their rejection of Obasa.
In contrast, Obasa, addressing the press, maintained that he remained the Speaker, denying any legitimate impeachment or removal. He argued that due process had not been followed and stated that Meranda remained a colleague and friend.
Obasa also dismissed rumors of his resignation and presided over a four-man plenary, adjourning the sitting indefinitely. He addressed the low attendance by challenging the absent lawmakers to explain their absence.
Obasa denied ruling as an emperor or that any division existed within the APC in Lagos, attributing the situation to a minor misunderstanding. He also dismissed any connection between the crisis and his alleged governorship ambitions, stating that he was not currently considering such a move.
Obasa also denied using his relationship with President Tinubu to silence critics.
Obasa’s legal team confirmed their intention to proceed with a court case challenging his initial removal. Meranda’s aide issued a statement criticizing the security withdrawal and Obasa’s actions, calling for an investigation and demanding accountability.
They raised concerns about the safety of public officials and questioned the political motivations behind the events. Meranda’s aides had earlier accused Obasa of breaking into the Assembly with armed thugs and security officials.
In contrast, GAC member Muraina Taiwo expressed support for Obasa’s return, arguing that his actions were a legitimate assertion of his rights.
