The power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn as Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker, returned to the Assembly complex with armed security operatives and his supporters for the second consecutive day.
Tensions ran high as legislative staff vacated their offices in fear, while top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) scrambled to mediate the escalating crisis.
Obasa Challenges Impeachment, Adjourns Sitting Indefinitely
Obasa, who had presided over a controversial four-man plenary session the previous day after allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office, returned around noon on March 1, 2025.
Acting swiftly, he adjourned proceedings indefinitely based on a motion moved by his faction’s Majority Leader, Noheem Adams.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and 35 lawmakers loyal to her, appeared before the Lagos High Court in defense of the lawsuit filed by Obasa challenging his January 13 impeachment by 36 out of 40 Assembly members.
The case, filed by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN) on February 12, 2025, argues that Obasa’s removal was illegal, as it occurred while he was out of the country.
Court Hearing Set for March 7
During the court proceedings, Meranda’s faction filed an application to be joined as defendants in the case.
Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro has scheduled March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.
Meranda Condemns Obasa’s ‘Invasion’ as a ‘Show of Shame’
In response to Obasa’s actions, Speaker Mojisola Meranda strongly condemned the move, describing it as a “total show of shame” and an unlawful attempt to seize power.
Meranda reassured the public that the Assembly remains intact and united, emphasizing that legal processes must be followed.
“This is just the beginning. Both parties have legal representation, and we should allow the courts to handle the matter accordingly,” she told journalists.
Security Detail Reduced, Lawmakers Remain Resolute
Following the crisis, Meranda revealed that her security detail had been drastically reduced, leaving her with only three or four officers instead of her usual 12 policemen, four DSS operatives, and two anti-riot officers.
Despite the setback, she and her loyal lawmakers remain steadfast, insisting that the Assembly will uphold due process and maintain order.
GAC Distances Itself from Obasa’s Impeachment
Pa Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), clarified that the APC leadership was not consulted before Obasa’s impeachment.
“The lawmakers made the decision without informing the party or the GAC. We only heard about it like everyone else.
However, a high-powered APC committee led by Chief Bisi Akande is working to resolve the matter,” Olusi stated.
The crisis continues to unfold, with many watching how the APC leadership and the courts will handle the situation.
As the March 7 court hearing approaches, the Lagos Assembly crisis remains a tug-of-war for power.
Will the courts reinstate Obasa, or will Meranda and her faction solidify their leadership? One thing is clear: this political showdown is far from over.
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