The speakership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly may soon find resolution, thanks to the intervention of key figures within the All Progressives Congress. Indications suggest that both the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, might step aside, allowing another lawmaker to assume leadership of the House.
This development follows the intervention of prominent APC members, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, among others.
President Bola Tinubu directed this high-powered APC delegation to address the escalating political tension within the Lagos Assembly, following the Governance Advisory Council’s inability to find a solution.
The crisis originated on January 13, 2025, when approximately 36 lawmakers impeached Obasa, replacing him with Meranda, the then-deputy speaker.
The lawmakers cited poor leadership, consistent tardiness, high-handedness, disregard for colleagues and the executive, abuse of office, intimidation, and misappropriation as reasons for Obasa’s removal.
Obasa, who was in the United States during his impeachment, has maintained that his removal was improper and that he remains the Speaker.
He insisted that any removal must be conducted through proper channels. In response, Osoba, Ambode, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and GAC members convened at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina to seek a resolution.
A GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, revealed that one of seven shortlisted lawmakers from Lagos West is being considered as the new Speaker.
The APC leaders, including Akande and Osoba, will brief President Tinubu on their findings and recommendations. They are suggesting that both Obasa and Meranda step down, allowing a new leader to emerge.
The selection process will focus on senior lawmakers from Lagos West, ensuring that the new Speaker is both experienced and qualified. The seven shortlisted candidates, all ranking members from Lagos West, will have their names submitted to President Tinubu.
Party leaders deemed it politically and ethically appropriate to exclude candidates from Lagos Central, as it is the same senatorial zone as Governor Sanwo-Olu. Sources indicate that David Setonji is being considered due to his experience and seniority. Setonji, representing Badagry Constituency II, has served in the House since 2015 and currently holds the position of Chief Whip.
A senior Lagos APC source confirmed that both Meranda and Obasa will be asked to step down, and that Obasa will likely withdraw his lawsuit against the Assembly and Meranda.
The source emphasized that political solutions are being prioritized, with compromises expected from all parties involved. The source also stated that Meranda, considered a “child of circumstance,” is not a power monger and is willing to step aside. It is anticipated that a final agreement will be reached within a week.
In an interview, the Chairman of GAC, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, confirmed that the party is actively mediating the crisis. He stated that the mediating panel will release its findings at the appropriate time, emphasizing the party’s responsibility to resolve internal conflicts.
