Politics
LAGOS ASSEMBLY CRISIS DEEPENS: OBASA, MERANDA LOCK HORNS IN POLITICAL SHOWDOWN
LAGOS ASSEMBLY CRISIS DEEPENS: OBASA, MERANDA LOCK HORNS IN POLITICAL SHOWDOWN
The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has reached a boiling point, with no resolution in sight as the 35 lawmakers who ousted Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker remain adamant that he will not be reinstated.
Despite Obasa’s dramatic return to the Assembly on Thursday—bolstered by restored security details and an impromptu plenary session with only four lawmakers—the embattled lawmaker’s claim to the speakership faces stiff resistance. His successor, Mojisola Meranda, remains firmly in control, backed by a significant majority of lawmakers who have vowed to uphold their decision.
Obasa’s Defiant Comeback Obasa’s return to the Assembly comes on the heels of intense political maneuvering within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following a high-profile meeting that included former Osun and Ogun governors, Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other key party figures, a resolution was reportedly reached. The agreement suggested that Obasa should resign, while Meranda would step down to pave the way for another Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial District. However, that plan crumbled when Obasa stormed the Assembly complex with a full security escort, proclaiming his reinstatement.
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly. I’ve never been removed,” Obasa defiantly told reporters. “Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but it must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.”
Tinubu’s Alleged Influence in the Power Struggle There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political machinery played a role in Obasa’s sudden resurgence. According to insider sources within Lagos APC, Obasa’s return was the result of a late-night meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, with top party leaders loyal to the President.
A source close to the negotiations disclosed, “Obasa’s return to the Assembly is a direct outcome of that meeting. The lawmakers rejected the panel’s recommendation that Meranda should step down. Even those from Lagos West, who were supposed to produce a new Speaker, refused the offer. Eventually, a reluctant compromise was reached to consider Honourable Setonji David, but the lawmakers were not enthusiastic about it. Seeing their hesitation, Obasa, with support from the Presidency, made his move.”
An APC stalwart further described Obasa’s reinstatement attempt as a “massive political statement,” warning that it could spell the end of the once-powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
“The GAC’s influence is crumbling. They failed to resolve this crisis, and now the President had to step in through his own loyalists. This means Lagos politics is changing, and there will be casualties when this dust settles.”
Tensions Mount at the Assembly Complex The Assembly complex has turned into a fortress, with a heavy security presence maintaining order as the crisis intensifies. On Friday, armed operatives from the state police command, task force, and mobile police officers took control of the premises, restricting movement and barring entry to unauthorized individuals. Over 25 patrol vehicles lined the roads leading to the Assembly, while police officers stood guard at strategic locations.
Assembly workers described the eerie emptiness of the usually bustling complex, attributing it to the political uncertainty. “Normally, you would see people all over the place, but after what happened on Thursday, many are staying away,” a staff member revealed.
Courtroom Drama: Legal Battle Begins The battle has also shifted to the courts. A heated legal showdown unfolded on Friday at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, where Obasa filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of his removal. The suit, filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, argues that the House’s proceedings during a recess were unlawful since Obasa neither reconvened the Assembly nor delegated his authority.
A dramatic twist occurred when two different lawyers claimed to represent the Assembly. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, appeared on record for the Assembly, but another lawyer, Abang Mkpandiok, challenged him, claiming he had been newly briefed by the House. The standoff led to a temporary suspension of proceedings as the court deferred ruling on the representation issue.
Meranda Fires Back: ‘A Show of Shame’ Reacting to Obasa’s attempted return, Speaker Mojisola Meranda dismissed his actions as a desperate bid for power.
“To me, what happened on Thursday was just a show of shame. In our job, we work with numbers that form a quorum. If you are sitting with only three or four members, you’re merely staging a drama,” she declared.
Despite the turbulence, Meranda remains confident in her position, asserting that the Assembly will reconvene soon—contrary to Obasa’s claim that the House is on recess. She also revealed that her full security detail had not been restored, saying, “I have my people and God with me. I am not afraid.”
Lawmakers Stand Their Ground A growing number of lawmakers continue to rally behind Meranda. Spokesperson for the Assembly, Ogundipe Olukayode, confirmed that 35 lawmakers, including Meranda, remain resolute in their decision.
“We are 35 strong as we speak, including Madam Speaker. The House will reconvene soon. We are consulting with our leaders, and the party is also working on the matter. But Lagosians should rest assured—we are committed to serving them.”
Lawmakers from different constituencies echoed this sentiment. Honourable David Setonji of Badagry Constituency II, through his media aide, reaffirmed their stance: “Meranda is the recognized Speaker. Obasa was rejected, and he is not coming back.”
Lagos APC Walks a Tightrope The Lagos APC leadership appears to be walking a fine line, calling for peace while struggling to maintain neutrality. APC state spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, described the crisis as a “quarrel between siblings,” assuring that the party is working towards reconciliation while respecting the legislature’s independence.
However, growing allegations of presidential involvement raise questions about the true dynamics at play. A senior legal practitioner pointed out that recent security shifts—including changes in the DSS leadership and the police commissioner—hint at federal influence in the crisis. “Obasa’s confidence in challenging 35 lawmakers suggests that Abuja is pulling strings,” he alleged.
What’s Next? With no clear resolution in sight, the Lagos Assembly crisis has morphed into a high-stakes political battle that could redefine power dynamics in the state. The coming days will determine whether Obasa’s defiance will prevail or if Meranda’s majority-backed leadership will stand firm against the political storm.
One thing is certain—Lagos politics has entered uncharted waters, and the outcome of this crisis will shape its future for years to come.
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
Politics
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
In a remarkable display of commitment to academic excellence and community development, Hon. Babatunde Olaogun, a distinguished alumnus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has gifted the Department of Business Administration with state-of-the-art workable tools such as stationery items which includes several reams of A4 papers, detachable whiteboards. permanent markers, temporary markers among others things.
Olaogun also added that as part of his commitment to ensuring that students of the department enjoys first class academic infrastructure, a contemporary projector facility would be delivered to the department in no distant time courtesy of his humble self to further enhance ease during presentation of seminar and projects.
The donation ceremony was graced by eminent personalities at the department, including Prof. (Mrs) Ojokuku, Prof. Adegoroye and Dr. (Mrs.) Akanbi who warmly received Mr. Olaogun. The trio of the reverred academics thanked Mr. Olaogun for his commitment to good causes and urged him to continue doing even more good for the university, Ogbomoso in particular, Oyo State and the entire nation at large.
In their goodwill message, Prof. Ojokuku and Prof. Adegoroye also counseled Mr. Olaogun to stay focused and not be swayed by naysayers who may seek to tarnish his reputation. They further encouraged him to carry along, students of Public Administration from LAUTECH, with a view to a availing them practical skills and knowledge essential for their success in their future endeavors.
The Department of Business Administration is thrilled to receive this donation and looks forward to leveraging these tools to improve academic outcomes and produce highly skilled graduates.
Mr. Olaogun’s gesture is a shining example of the university’s alumni community’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
OGUN VISIONARIES CONGRATULATE SENATOR YAYI ON BIRTHDAY.
A socio political group Ogun Visionaries For Yayi, has felicitated with her principal and Senator representing Ogun West at the red chamber, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as he celebrates his birthday.
Solomon Yayi has been described as an illustrious Ogun Son, who is ever committed to the reformation of Ogun State and Nigeria.
According to the statement by the State Director General Hon. Odunjo issued on behalf of the group thanked Senator Yayi, for his outstanding transformation of the entire Ogun West and the State in general, his people oriented law making and contributions to the development of Ogun West , the State and Nigeria in general.
The group described Senator Yayi as a thorough bred politician, an epitome of humility, a game changer and lover of the people, while urging him to sustain his contributions to humanity.
The Visionaries for Senator Yayi noted that the Senator has brought his political experience to bear on the various constituency projects spread across the state.
The Socio Political group also lauded the technocrat-turned politician for his charming and urbane disposition to the discharge of his responsibility as a law maker representing Ogun West and as Chairman, Senate Committee on appropriation.
“Senator, Chief Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance, the maverick Senator has continued to serve his people well without relenting”.
“He has continued to provide sound and relevant legislation at different times and we thank you for always being there for us”.
Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself by dint of hard work and discipline, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Ogun West residents, entire State and Nigerians in general”.
“You have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently as it is in developed and organised climes”.
“On behalf of all of us in Visionaries for Senator Yayi, we congratulate you Our dear leader, brother and friend, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola on the occasion of your 56th birth anniversary”.
“In the past 56 years, your family and indeed, your political and associates and admirers have caused to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfillment”.
-
society5 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
Politics2 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society4 months agoBroken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers
-
society3 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE