The ongoing leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn, with fresh efforts underway to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Tensions have remained high since January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa and former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, electing Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
New Political Pressure to Reinstate Obasa
Multiple sources confirm that both Presidency officials and key figures within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have begun lobbying lawmakers to support Obasa’s return.
According to insider reports, the Bisi Akande-led reconciliation committee—initially tasked with resolving the dispute—was disbanded after its findings showed the odds were against Obasa.
With the committee out of the picture, GAC members have been urged to influence their loyalists in the Assembly to restore Obasa as Speaker.
A source disclosed:
“The President has personally intervened, asking GAC members with allies in the Assembly or the State Executive Council to ensure Obasa’s return.
Even those without direct ties to the Assembly have been tasked with lobbying on his behalf.”
Meanwhile, Obasa has been reaching out to lawmakers opposed to him in a bid to regain their support.
Legal Battle May Decide the Outcome
With both camps refusing to back down, some political insiders suggest that the courts may ultimately determine the rightful Speaker.
A presidency source revealed:
“The President insists that Obasa must return, but the lawmakers are standing by Meranda. If the political efforts fail, the judiciary will decide the matter.”
Obasa has already taken legal action, suing Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has scheduled a hearing for March 7.
Assembly Staff Ordered to Work Remotely
In response to the crisis, the Assembly’s Acting Clerk, Babatunde Abubakar, has ordered all staff and legislative aides to work from home indefinitely.
A memo issued to employees explained:
“This directive aims to guarantee safety and prevent any escalation of the crisis. Staff should keep communication lines open and be ready for assignments when necessary.”
The decision follows an earlier directive from the Head of Service (HOS) on January 15, which confirmed the Assembly’s leadership change and appointed A.T.B. Ottun as Acting Clerk.
GAC Denies Involvement in Obasa’s Removal
Despite reports that the GAC played a role in Obasa’s ouster, the council’s chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, denied such claims.
He clarified:
“The GAC was not consulted before Obasa’s removal. Lawmakers acted independently without informing the party or its elders. Had they approached us earlier, we could have intervened.”
What’s Next for the Lagos Assembly?
With legal battles looming and political negotiations intensifying, the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly remains unresolved.
The coming weeks will determine whether Obasa makes a comeback or if Meranda retains her position.
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