“I See Sanwo-Olu’s Hand in Obasa’s Impeachment, and I’m Uncomfortable with How Powerful He’s Become” — Tinubu Reportedly Tells Lagos Lawmakers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has voiced strong concerns over Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s alleged involvement in the recent impeachment and reinstatement drama surrounding Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. In a closed-door meeting with Lagos lawmakers at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, Tinubu said he was disturbed by the level of influence the governor appeared to have exerted, calling it troubling that Sanwo-Olu seemed to have a personal stake in who led the Assembly.

According to lawmakers present at the meeting, Tinubu revealed that it was this perceived interference that prompted him to intervene and facilitate Obasa’s reinstatement. Tinubu reportedly told the lawmakers that he found it unsettling that the executive arm would attempt to determine the leadership of the legislative branch, suggesting that such power dynamics could undermine the independence of the Assembly.

Obasa, who had been impeached on January 13 over allegations of corruption and mismanagement, returned to office amid controversy and heavy party pressure. His impeachment had been widely seen as a move toward accountability, but his comeback, reportedly driven by Tinubu and other APC leaders, caused rifts among the lawmakers.

At the meeting, Tinubu sharply criticized Obasa for arriving late, spending the opening moments of the session to reprimand the Speaker. He then heard arguments from both sides of the crisis before urging lawmakers to accept Obasa’s return and advised the Speaker to withdraw his court cases challenging the impeachment. Tinubu also ruled that all current principal officers and committee chairmen should retain their positions.

However, a key sticking point—the tussle over the Assembly Clerk position—remains unresolved. While Obasa backs former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, the majority of lawmakers support the current Acting Clerk, Taiwo Ottun. Tinubu advised that the issue should be left for the courts to decide, since the matter is already under judicial consideration.

In a related development, a letter leaked earlier this week showed Obasa requesting armed officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to reinforce security at the Assembly complex. The letter, signed by Onafeko, cited concerns over potential unrest amid the ongoing legal and political disputes. This came as the National Industrial Court clarified that it did not reinstate Onafeko, contrary to claims by Obasa’s camp. The court only ordered both parties to maintain peace pending further hearings, with the next session scheduled for March 18.

Tensions further escalated after revelations that the Assembly leadership crisis may have been inflamed by a N7 billion vehicle procurement scandal. Obasa reportedly approved the purchase of 45 luxury SUVs, including four for himself and his two wives. During her brief stint as Speaker, Mojisola Meranda opted for a more cost-effective local supplier, saving N2 billion by procuring a different mix of SUVs. Obasa, upon his return, demanded the reversal of the purchase.

He also stirred anger among Assembly members by unilaterally replacing the Assembly’s legal team without the consent of the 35 lawmakers who voted for his removal. At a recent Ikeja High Court session, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro adjourned proceedings to March 17 after multiple new filings. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, representing the majority of the lawmakers, criticized Obasa’s actions, stating that a plaintiff cannot impose legal representation on the defendants.