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.