Chaos erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday as Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted Speaker, made a bold return to the Assembly complex, asserting his authority despite being removed 45 days ago.
Accompanied by heavily armed security personnel and his loyalists, Obasa’s unexpected reappearance escalated the ongoing leadership crisis within the House.
Obasa’s Controversial Return
Despite his removal, Obasa reportedly presided over a plenary session attended by only four lawmakers out of the 40-member Assembly. The majority of legislators present in the complex refused to participate.
Eyewitnesses claim that security operatives forcefully opened the chamber doors to grant Obasa access, further intensifying the standoff. Adding to the tension, security details assigned to the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, were withdrawn, raising concerns about her safety and the stability of the Assembly’s leadership.
Police Restore Security for Speaker Meranda
In response to public outcry, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, later announced that Meranda’s security details had been reinstated.
“The withdrawal was part of an ongoing nationwide audit of police personnel and firearms, not a targeted action against the Speaker,” Jimoh explained.
Assembly in Disarray
Obasa’s return, which began around 11:30 a.m., saw him arrive at the complex with two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency) and Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa), the reportedly ousted Majority Leader.
The disruption led to roadblocks around the Assembly, with Obasa’s supporters sealing off all entrances for several hours. Motorists were forced to seek alternative routes.
When questioned about his actions, Obasa denied allegations of forcefully occupying the Speaker’s office, insisting his removal lacked due process.
“Are you saying I broke the door? Go and confirm from your sources,” he told journalists.
Lawmakers Divided Over Leadership Crisis
Later in the day, 18 lawmakers held a press briefing, expressing frustration over the unfolding events. They reaffirmed their support for Speaker Meranda, having passed a vote of confidence in her leadership on February 17.
Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Stephen Ogundipe, criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership for failing to engage the lawmakers.
“This is the Lagos State House of Assembly, and we, as elected representatives, deserve to be consulted. What is happening today is shocking and unacceptable,” Ogundipe declared.
The lawmakers emphasized their commitment to due process and urged party leaders to intervene before the crisis spirals further.
Obasa Defends His Position
Obasa, however, maintained that he remains the Speaker, rejecting claims of impeachment.
“The removal of a sitting Speaker without due process is unconstitutional,” he argued.
Political Leaders Weigh In
The crisis follows a meeting of key APC leaders, primarily from the Mandate Group, where they reaffirmed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political legacy.
Notable attendees included:
- Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku
- Senator Anthony Adefuye
- Chief Muraina Taiwo
- Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon
- Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe
- Mudasiru Obasa
The leaders condemned the crisis, urging party discipline and respect for Tinubu’s leadership. They warned lawmakers against factionalism, describing disloyalty as a threat to the party’s unity.
Opposition and Critics React
Reacting to the crisis, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, of backing Obasa’s actions.
“This situation shows Lagos is not practising true democracy,” he alleged.
Similarly, Akin Malaolu, President of the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, called on Lagosians to challenge Tinubu’s political dominance, stating:
“This show of shame should never have taken place in Lagos.”
What Next for the Lagos Assembly?
With the leadership crisis far from resolved, all eyes remain on the APC leadership and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to mediate before the standoff threatens governance in the state.
