How Akande-Led Panel Paved Way for Obasa’s Return as Lagos Speaker

The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly came to an end on Monday as Mojisola Meranda resigned from her position as Speaker, allowing Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim the role. The resolution followed weeks of intervention by a high-level mediation panel led by former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, who were appointed by President Bola Tinubu to broker peace among the lawmakers.

The crisis began on January 13 when over 30 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa while he was in the United States, installing his then-deputy, Meranda, as Speaker. Obasa, however, rejected his removal and took legal action to challenge the decision. Amid escalating tensions, APC leaders stepped in to prevent a prolonged conflict within the Assembly.

At a closed-door meeting with Lagos APC leaders, including State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN), Meranda agreed to step down. During Monday’s plenary, other key officials who had taken office under her leadership, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani, also resigned.

In her resignation speech, Meranda emphasized her commitment to stability and party unity. *“I have made a personal sacrifice to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly,”* she said. *“I am not a quitter, but I took this bold decision to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.”*

Following her resignation, Obasa was sworn in again as Speaker, pledging to continue working in the best interest of Lagosians. He praised the intervention of Akande and Osoba, stating, *“The Lagos State House of Assembly is a House of integrity with an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party.”* He then adjourned the plenary indefinitely.

Earlier reports suggested that part of the Akande-led panel’s recommendations included Obasa stepping down after his reinstatement. However, there is no confirmation that this will happen. Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member Chief Muraina Taiwo noted that while the suggestion was made, the decision rests with Obasa. *“If he chooses to resign tomorrow, fine. If he insists on staying, it’s his decision,”* Muraina said.

Lagos APC Chairman Ojelabi also confirmed that the party’s priority was restoring stability, stating, *“We just want peace in the House… We want to bring back the harmonious relationship that existed among them before.”*

Meanwhile, Obasa’s court case challenging his removal remains unresolved. His lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), said that Obasa has not yet decided whether to withdraw the lawsuit. *“We will meet with him soon to determine the next steps,”* he said.

During the plenary, lawmakers praised Meranda for prioritizing party unity. Lawmaker Temitope Adewale commended her decision, saying, *“You have restored the spirit of friendship, comradeship, and loyalty to this House.”* Surulere representative Desmond Elliot was visibly emotional and chose not to speak.

Security was heightened at the Assembly complex throughout the day, with personnel from the state police command, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services stationed around the premises to ensure order during the leadership transition.