President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly, backing Mudashiru Obasa to retain his position as Speaker despite an earlier recommendation for his resignation.
This decision follows a meeting between Tinubu and all 40 Lagos lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, effectively overturning the recommendation of a panel set up to mediate the dispute.
The mediation panel, led by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), had initially advised that Obasa step down after his reinstatement.
The panel had proposed that Mojisola Meranda resign as Speaker to allow for Obasa’s return, with the understanding that he would also step down shortly afterward. This would have paved the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West to balance the state’s political structure.
However, after 49 days of Obasa’s impeachment, Meranda resigned on March 3, 2025, and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was reinstated as Speaker as part of the agreement.
Contrary to expectations, Obasa then adjourned the Assembly indefinitely and refused to step down, going against the terms of the deal.
Lawmakers’ Impeachment of Obasa and Tinubu’s Intervention
Obasa was originally impeached on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers, who accused him of high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and authoritarian leadership.
Following his removal, Meranda replaced him but later resigned under pressure from party leaders.
On Wednesday, News Bulletin observed that the lawmakers arrived at the Presidential Villa in a Coaster bus around 2 pm, while Obasa arrived separately an hour later. The meeting was held behind closed doors.
A Presidency official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Tinubu brokered peace between the lawmakers, urging them to work together for the stability of the Assembly and the state.
“The lawmakers spoke about their grievances, and the President has resolved the crisis. Obasa will remain Speaker, and his position is no longer under threat. All lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” the source stated.
Following the meeting, the lawmakers had a photo session with Tinubu, signaling a truce.
While some Lagos political stakeholders are unhappy that Obasa did not step down as initially agreed, the Presidency is expected to engage all aggrieved parties to maintain unity.
Additionally, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court, challenging his impeachment.
“The President told the lawmakers to let Obasa work, and he also asked Obasa to withdraw the case against Meranda and the lawmakers. Everyone agreed to this,” a source close to Obasa revealed.
Despite his reinstatement, Obasa had not withdrawn his lawsuit as of Tuesday. His lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), told The PUNCH that the allegations against Obasa still needed to be addressed legally.
“The impeachment allegations include high-handedness and fraudulent malpractices. These issues must be resolved in court,” Afolabi said.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has adjourned the case to March 17, 2025.
