Lagos Lawmakers Reject Obasa, Reaffirm Meranda as Speaker
In a dramatic turn of events at the Lagos State House of Assembly, members of the legislative body have firmly rejected Mudashiru Obasa’s assertion that he continues to hold the position of Speaker. In a statement made on Thursday at the assembly complex, lawmakers strongly reaffirmed their allegiance to Mojisola Meranda, insisting that she remains the legitimate Speaker.
This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing leadership crisis in the assembly. The 36 lawmakers, speaking through the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, expressed their dissatisfaction with Obasa’s continued claim to the office. Ogundipe called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos to intervene, stressing that Obasa’s removal as Speaker remains intact.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that Obasa’s removal stands,” Ogundipe stated. He further added that despite previous attempts by party leaders to calm tensions, the situation has spiraled beyond their control. He emphasized that the lawmakers were not seeking to take matters into their own hands, urging that the leadership should engage with them directly and cease the current “charade.”
Ogundipe also made it clear that while the assembly members have followed the law, they demand respect for their positions and the dignity afforded to their mandates. He appealed to the APC leadership to resolve the impasse, warning that the situation could not continue in its current form.
The standoff unfolded after Obasa, accompanied by only two other lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II)—entered the assembly complex around noon on Thursday, with the aid of security personnel. This move followed the withdrawal of security aides previously assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda, signaling the deepening rift within the assembly.
Obasa’s bid to reclaim the Speakership comes after he was ousted due to numerous allegations, including poor leadership, chronic lateness to legislative sessions, high-handedness, abuse of office, and intimidation of fellow lawmakers. These accusations were brought forward by over 90% of the assembly members.
In a bid to mediate the crisis, top APC figures, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, convened a series of meetings with political stakeholders, including assembly members, last weekend. These discussions were initiated under the direction of President Bola Tinubu. According to sources familiar with the talks, there are now indications that both Obasa and Meranda may step aside to make way for a new speaker, with one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West being considered for the role.
The ongoing crisis has not only divided the Lagos State House of Assembly but also raised questions about the internal dynamics within the ruling APC in Lagos, as the party grapples with resolving the dispute and restoring stability to the state legislature.
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Lagos Lawmakers Reject Obasa, Reaffirm Meranda as Speaker