The Lagos State House of Assembly remains embroiled in a leadership crisis following President Bola Tinubu’s determination to have the impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa reinstated, a decision that is facing staunch resistance from lawmakers.
The disbandment of a reconciliation panel led by Chief Bisi Akande has further complicated the situation, Iwitnesslive has learnt.
On January 13, 2025, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached by 36 out of 40 lawmakers while he was abroad, citing allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office. Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was subsequently elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
To resolve the impasse, President Tinubu instructed the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos to facilitate Obasa’s reinstatement, but the effort failed.
To further mediate the dispute, a panel led by former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande was established, with members including former governors Olusegun Osoba and Akinwunmi Ambode. The panel recommended the stepping down of both Obasa and Meranda for the emergence of a new speaker. It also shortlisted seven candidates for the speakership in an attempt to find a neutral resolution, but that effort has also collapsed as the President allegedly rejected the recommendation of the panel leading to its disbandment.
The crisis escalated when Obasa, accompanied by armed security personnel, forcibly entered the Assembly complex and presided over a session with a minority faction of four lawmakers. Curiously, the security aides of Meranda were withdrawn at the time to allegedly pave the way for Obasa’s return. Police later restored the factional Speaker’s security personnel, denying complicity in the saga.
“It is a clear fight between the President and the lawmakers, as they are not ready to accept Obasa as their leader,” a source within the party said. “Although the President has not personally gotten involved in the matter, there could be a change of heart by the lawmakers when the President speaks with them personally but as things stand, they don’t want Obasa again.
“The matter is in court and there is a strong indication that the President may also allow the matter to be decided by the court if the political solution could not be achieved, which could effectively bring an end to the impasse.”
