Tinubu Allegedly Orders Lagos Lawmakers to Reinstate Obasa as Impeached Speaker Refuses to Vacate Lodge

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, three weeks after his impeachment, according to a report by People’s Gazette. The move has sparked concerns about deepening political tensions within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), though Tinubu’s strong influence over the state’s politics is expected to deter any significant opposition from lawmakers.

Sources cited in the report claim Tinubu believes the political cost of Obasa’s removal could outweigh any benefits of holding him accountable for alleged corruption and abuse of office. A senior Lagos politician who attended meetings on the issue over the weekend reportedly stated that the president instructed lawmakers to prepare for Obasa’s return, assuring them it would only be temporary before he steps down on his own terms.

The report suggests that most legislators have reluctantly accepted the directive to reinstate Obasa to avoid potential political fallout. However, some lawmakers remain uneasy, particularly those involved in his impeachment, fearing his return could lead to political retribution. One lawmaker, speaking anonymously, reportedly compared the situation to “pacifying a snake after its head was severed,” warning that Obasa’s response could be severe.

According to People’s Gazette, a crucial meeting is scheduled to take place in Abuja on Monday, where Tinubu is expected to push reluctant lawmakers to comply. A senior political operative in Lagos claimed that many lawmakers have already agreed to Obasa’s return, as they are uncertain about the long-term consequences of resisting the president’s directive.

Obasa was impeached on January 13 following allegations that he misappropriated billions of naira in procurement allocations. His removal was largely attributed to a People’s Gazette report exposing financial misconduct. Following his impeachment, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda was installed as Speaker with the support of at least 32 of the 40 lawmakers. However, sources allege that Meranda has struggled to assert authority, with Obasa reportedly intimidating her while refusing to vacate the Speaker’s Lodge.

Since her inauguration, Meranda has been unable to take possession of the official residence in Ikeja G.R.A. Sources claim that Obasa, who was in the United States at the time of his impeachment, returned to Nigeria and immediately occupied the lodge. He allegedly justified his continued presence by insisting he was only retrieving personal belongings but has since refused to leave.

It remains unclear what role First Lady Remi Tinubu may have played in the president’s decision to push for Obasa’s reinstatement. It has been previously reported that she intervened to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Obasa while allowing an investigation into his financial dealings to continue.

Despite discontent among lawmakers, the president’s firm control over Lagos politics means few are willing to openly challenge his directive. A source cited in the report stated that while many lawmakers are frustrated by Tinubu’s intervention, none want to risk direct confrontation with the party leader.

A spokesperson for the presidency was quoted to have said that he was unaware of any directive from Tinubu regarding the situation. Meanwhile, both Obasa and Meranda declined to comment. The report also claims that Obasa met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos State Government House in Marina on Saturday to finalize plans for his return, which could take place as early as next week. A governor’s aide reportedly confirmed the meeting but provided no further details.