Lagos politics is about to take another dramatic turn as President Bola Tinubu has reportedly ordered lawmakers to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This comes just three weeks after Obasa was impeached, sending shockwaves across the state.
According to sources, Tinubu believes the political damage caused by Obasa’s removal is greater than the alleged corruption and abuse of office that led to his impeachment. To avoid further crisis, the President has asked lawmakers to allow Obasa to return, though he may later step down on his own terms.
Tinubu’s directive has sparked mixed reactions within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where nearly all lawmakers belong. Some lawmakers who supported Obasa’s removal feel bringing him back would be a bad idea, fearing he might seek revenge. One lawmaker compared it to “reviving a snake after cutting off its head.”
However, others believe that reinstating Obasa is necessary to prevent further political instability. A meeting has been scheduled in Abuja, where lawmakers who are still resisting the move will be convinced to support it.
Since his impeachment on January 13, Obasa has refused to leave the official Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja. Although his replacement, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, was supposed to move in, she has not been able to take control. Reports suggest Obasa has been intimidating her, making it difficult for her to function fully as Speaker.
It is unclear what role First Lady Remi Tinubu played in this decision, but there have been reports that she prevented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Obasa. However, investigations into his alleged corruption may still continue.
Despite the tension, lawmakers are unlikely to resist Tinubu’s directive openly, as he remains the most powerful figure in Lagos politics.
Obasa is expected to meet Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu soon to finalize plans for his return. If everything goes as planned, he could be reinstated as Speaker by next week.
While his comeback might bring some temporary peace, it remains to be seen how it will affect the future of the Lagos House of Assembly and the APC in the state.