Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Fresh Moves to Reinstate Obasa Gain Momentum

The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn as fresh moves emerge to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. The Assembly has been in turmoil since January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers removed Obasa and former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, electing Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

Sources close to the Presidency and other key political figures revealed ongoing efforts to persuade lawmakers to reconsider their stance and support Obasa’s return. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has also been urged to intervene, particularly those with political influence over legislators. This development follows the disbandment of the Bisi Akande-led committee, which was tasked with resolving the crisis but reportedly concluded that the odds were against Obasa.

The Akande committee, which included Aremo Olusegun Osoba and former APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest) Pius Akinyelure, was initially established to mediate between the opposing factions. However, following its disbandment, the Presidency has intensified efforts to sway lawmakers through the influence of GAC members. Some of these leaders have reportedly been directed to use their connections within the Assembly and State Executive Council to push for Obasa’s reinstatement.

Obasa himself has been actively reaching out to lawmakers who opposed him in an attempt to regain their support. However, if these political maneuvers fail, the Presidency and party leaders are prepared to let the courts determine the rightful Speaker. With both camps unwilling to back down, a legal battle could unfold, potentially reaching the Supreme Court. Obasa has already taken legal action, challenging his removal, and Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has adjourned hearings on the case until March 7.

Amid the ongoing power struggle, the Assembly management has directed staff and legislative aides to work remotely to prevent disruptions. In a memo signed by Acting Clerk Babatunde Abubakar, employees were advised to work from home until further notice, citing safety concerns. The directive aligns with a circular issued by the Head of Service on January 15, affirming Meranda’s leadership and appointing A.T.B. Ottun as Acting Clerk.

Meanwhile, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi has distanced the council from Obasa’s removal, stating that lawmakers acted independently without consulting the party. Olusi emphasized that while the GAC has since engaged both factions, the decision ultimately lies with the party, not the lawmakers alone.