The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly deepened on Thursday as the embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, presided over a controversial plenary session with just four other members present. This came amid firm rejection from a majority of lawmakers who insist that Mojisola Meranda remains the legitimate Speaker of the House.
The plenary, which commenced around 3:00 pm and lasted until 3:30 pm, was held after security operatives forcibly opened the doors to the chamber. Despite his removal as Speaker on January 13 while he was abroad, Obasa has continued to challenge the decision, insisting that due process was not followed.
“I’ve never been removed,” Obasa declared. “Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.”
His return to the Assembly complex was dramatic, as he arrived around noon alongside security officials and entered the Speaker’s office, further escalating the already tense atmosphere.
Despite his defiant stance, 36 lawmakers, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, reiterated their rejection of Obasa’s claim to the Speakership. Addressing journalists, they reaffirmed their loyalty to Mojisola Meranda as the substantive Speaker.
“We were approached by our leaders that we should remain calm and take things easy. But we are surprised to see what is happening here today,” Ogundipe stated.
He urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos to intervene, emphasizing that lawmakers would not allow their mandate to be undermined.
“We are not happy; we have been law-abiding. We also want to be respected and given our dignity. We appeal to our party leadership that we cannot continue this way,” he added.
Obasa’s controversial return was accompanied by the withdrawal of security aides assigned to Meranda, further fueling speculations of political interference. Two lawmakers, Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II), were seen supporting Obasa as he entered the Assembly complex, raising concerns about divisions within the House.
Obasa’s removal was backed by over 90% of the lawmakers, who accused him of poor leadership, persistent lateness to legislative functions, high-handedness, abuse of office, intimidation of colleagues, and disregard for both the House and the state governor.
To resolve the crisis, prominent APC figures—including former governors Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos)—held a series of meetings last weekend, reportedly at the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Sources indicate that a consensus was reached for both Obasa and Meranda to step aside in favor of a new Speaker from Lagos West.
A member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Muraina Taiwo, disclosed that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West was being considered to take over the leadership of the House.
With the crisis deepening and political heavyweights now involved, the fate of the Lagos State House of Assembly remains uncertain. Whether Obasa succeeds in reclaiming his position or a compromise candidate emerges, the outcome will have significant implications for legislative stability and governance in the state.
