The 49-Day Reign of Mojisola Meranda Ends as Mudashiru Obasa Returns as Speaker

The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed a dramatic political shift as Mojisola Meranda’s brief 49-day tenure as Speaker came to an end on Monday, paving the way for the return of Mudashiru Obasa. The leadership change follows intense mediation efforts by a panel led by former Osun and Ogun State governors, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, who were tasked by President Bola Tinubu with resolving the crisis that had gripped the Assembly since January 13, 2025.

The Crisis That Led to Obasa’s Removal

Obasa was removed from his position while he was in the United States, with Meranda, his then-deputy, taking over as Speaker. However, Obasa fiercely opposed the move and pursued legal action to challenge his removal. The crisis escalated, drawing the intervention of key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

On Monday, in a significant political recalibration, the lawmakers reconvened, leading to Meranda’s resignation alongside other principal officers elected under her leadership, including Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai and Chief Whip Okanlawon Sani. Before the plenary session where Meranda stepped down, she and other lawmakers had met with the APC state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, and Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), to finalize the resolution.

Meranda’s Emotional Resignation

In her resignation speech, Meranda emphasized that her decision was in the interest of democracy and to prevent further crises within the Assembly.

“I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she stated.

Meranda acknowledged her family’s legacy in promoting democracy and assured that her decision was not out of weakness but to uphold the integrity of the Assembly.

“I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.”

She concluded by reaffirming her loyalty to the party, stating, “The party is supreme.”

Obasa Returns Amid Uncertainty Over His Future

Following his re-election, Obasa assured Lagosians that the House would focus on enacting laws for the progress of the state. He expressed gratitude to Akande, Osoba, and other stakeholders for their intervention.

“We want to assure Lagosians that we are determined to serve and protect their interests always. What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a House that has an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party,” Obasa said.

However, questions remain over whether Obasa will abide by the earlier resolution proposed by the mediating panel, which suggested that he, too, should resign after his re-election to allow for a fresh leadership transition. While some APC sources indicated that Obasa’s resignation was initially part of the peace deal, recent comments from party officials suggest that he may remain in power indefinitely.

Chief Muraina Taiwo, a GAC member, stated, “The whole party is in support [of Obasa’s return]. You can see the resignation address of the former Speaker. She did it wholeheartedly and she abided by the decision of the party.”

When asked about the possibility of Obasa stepping down, Muraina said, “That is his own personal decision. If he chooses to resign tomorrow, fine; if he insists on staying on the seat, it’s left to him.”

Legal Battles and Ongoing Tensions

A significant question mark remains over the lawsuit filed by Obasa challenging his removal. His legal counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), stated that Obasa has yet to decide whether to withdraw the suit. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court has set March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

“Withdrawing the case still has to be at his instance,” Fashanu said. “Just as you saw what transpired with respect to him coming back, he still has to formally brief us on what he wants us to do.”

Lawmakers Praise Meranda’s Leadership

Despite the turbulence, Meranda’s leadership was praised by her colleagues, who commended her selfless decision to step down.

“The entire chamber is in tears. You have restored the spirit of friendship, comradeship, and loyalty to this House,” lawmaker Temitope Adewale stated.

Another legislator, Tobun Abiodun, said, “You did very well, but as we know, we are politicians, and in politics, our party is supreme. Madam Speaker, I pray for you—may God Almighty be with you.”

Even actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot was visibly emotional and declined to speak during the session.

Tight Security at the Assembly Complex

Given the tensions surrounding the leadership tussle, security was significantly heightened at the Assembly complex. Operatives from the Lagos State Police Command, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services were stationed around the premises. Journalists were denied entry until after 1 PM as strict screening measures were enforced.

The APC’s Official Position

In an official statement, the APC’s Lagos spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, congratulated Lagosians and the Assembly for reaching a peaceful resolution.

“As a truly democratic party, we refrained from needless interference in the affairs of the legislature, whose independence we hold in high esteem. However, when the conflict festered and defied all suggestions for settlement, we stepped in. Our role remained advisory, and the final decision was made within the House.”

The APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, reaffirmed that Obasa’s return was the current resolution, and there were no immediate plans for him to step down.

“That’s where we resolved it. We just want peace in the House generally,” Ojelabi said.

What Next for the Lagos Assembly?

While Obasa’s return marks the end of an intense leadership crisis, lingering questions remain about his future. Will he uphold the previous agreement and resign in due time, or will he consolidate power further? For now, the APC seems to have found a temporary fix, but the political dynamics in Lagos suggest that further developments may unfold in the coming weeks.