Leadership Crisis Deepens as Ousted Speaker Obasa Forcefully Resumes Office.
The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Thursday as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa forcefully resumed office, despite his removal on 13 January 2025.
Obasa’s unexpected return, which occurred around 11:30 AM, was accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, creating tension within the Assembly complex. His reappearance took place while the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was absent, and despite the Assembly being on an indefinite recess. Reports indicate that Obasa forcibly gained access to the Speaker’s office before declaring, “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly.”
The development follows the controversial withdrawal of security details assigned to Speaker Meranda, an action reportedly ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). An aide to Meranda confirmed the removal of police and SSS operatives, raising concerns over her safety amidst the ongoing leadership dispute. The aide appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
Adding to the unrest, former and suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, also attempted to reclaim his position on Wednesday but was denied entry by security personnel. Onafeko, who was removed alongside Obasa, arrived at the Assembly complex with his lawyer and security detail. However, a viral video showed Assembly staff jeering as he was escorted out. The Assembly management later condemned his “unauthorised entry.”
The leadership crisis stems from Obasa’s removal by 32 out of 40 Assembly members, who cited allegations of poor leadership, habitual lateness to legislative sessions, high-handedness, and disregard for fellow lawmakers and the executive. Meranda was subsequently elected as Speaker.
Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), efforts to resolve the dispute have so far failed. High-level meetings involving APC stalwarts, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, were held last weekend to find a solution. Reports suggest that both Obasa and Meranda may be asked to step aside in favour of a new Speaker, with a Lagos West caucus member being considered for the role.
The Chief Press Secretary to Meranda, Segun Ajiboye, confirmed Obasa’s arrival and accused him of “breaking into the office.” As tensions continue to escalate, stakeholders are urging swift action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex. Chief Muraina Taiwo, a member of the GAC, hinted that discussions are ongoing to select a consensus Speaker from among seven lawmakers in Lagos West.
