The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Thursday as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa forcibly resumed office, defying his removal on January 13, 2025.
Obasa arrived at the Assembly complex around 11:30 AM, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, and proceeded to open the Speaker’s office, despite the Assembly being on indefinite recess. His return created tension, particularly as the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was absent.
Declaring himself as the rightful leader of the Assembly, Obasa stated, “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly.”
Security Concerns and Political Tensions
Obasa’s move comes amidst the controversial withdrawal of security details assigned to Speaker Meranda, reportedly on the orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). An aide to Meranda confirmed that her police and SSS operatives had been withdrawn, leaving her vulnerable to threats amid the ongoing crisis.
Appealing for intervention, the aide urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state’s Chief Security Officer, to act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Adding to the instability, 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, but a viral video showed him being jeered at by staff as he was escorted out. The Assembly management condemned his “unauthorised entry” in an official statement.
Roots of the Crisis & Political Maneuvering
Obasa was removed by 32 out of 40 Assembly members, who cited allegations of poor leadership, habitual lateness, high-handedness, and disregard for colleagues and the executive. Following his ousting, Mojisola Meranda was elected as Speaker.
Despite mediation efforts from key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the APC leadership, no resolution has been reached. Last weekend, APC leaders, including Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, convened to discuss the crisis.
Emerging reports suggest that both Obasa and Meranda may be asked to step aside, with a member from the Lagos West caucus being considered as a neutral replacement.
Confirming the incident, Segun Ajiboye, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Speaker Meranda, accused Obasa of “breaking into the office.”
As tensions escalate, stakeholders are demanding urgent intervention to restore stability in the Assembly. Chief Muraina Taiwo, a senior GAC member, confirmed that one of seven lawmakers from Lagos West is being considered as a potential new Speaker.
