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

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

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

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.

 

Politics

Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu

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Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu

 

Pilot Muhammad Tukur Buratai (MTTB), son of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has intensified political activities in Borno State after purchasing the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress to contest for a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly.

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

The young aviator is seeking to represent Biu Constituency, a move many political observers describe as a bold transition from professional service into active grassroots politics.

 

 

Supporters of the aspirant insist his emergence represents a blend of youthfulness, exposure and leadership capacity needed in the state legislature at a time when demands for greater youth representation in governance continue to gain momentum across the country.

 

Unlike conventional political entrants, allies of captain Buratai argue that his aviation background has equipped him with discipline, technical knowledge, calm decision-making and strategic coordination skills considered valuable in public leadership.

 

 

Political watchers within Biu also believe his candidacy could energise younger voters and strengthen grassroots participation within the APC ahead of the party primaries.

 

His growing acceptance, according to supporters, is also linked to his accessibility, community engagement and understanding of the developmental concerns facing youths and rural communities within the constituency.

 

The aspirant recently met with his father to seek his blessing ahead of the political contest, a development seen by many as a symbolic endorsement of his ambition and readiness for public service.

 

 

Stakeholders within the constituency say his entry into the race has already altered political calculations in the area, with consultations and mobilisation intensifying across several wards.

 

Supporters further maintain that beyond family name recognition, the young aspirant possesses the educational exposure, leadership orientation and communication skills required to effectively represent the interests of the people at the legislative level.

 

 

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections, many within Biu believe his emergence could usher in a new generation of leadership focused on youth empowerment, education, economic opportunities and community development.

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Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project

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Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project

 

 

Prominent political figures within the Team Seyi Makinde political structure in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, have congratulated Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi following his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The duo, who also emerged as consensus senatorial candidates for Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts, respectively, pledged total support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, while assuring residents of Oyo State of inclusive governance and continuity of developmental policies associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

 

“I throw my full support behind Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate chosen by our political leaders through a unified process,” Ajadi said.

 

He added, “His emergence reflects unity, consultation, and the collective resolve of our political family, and we are fully committed to delivering victory in 2027.”

 

According to him, the endorsement of Adekanmbi was based on competence, loyalty, administrative experience, and the need to sustain ongoing developmental strides in the state.

 

Also reacting to the development, Hon. Stanley Odidiomo expressed appreciation to stakeholders for the confidence reposed in the candidates selected through consensus.

 

He assured party loyalists and supporters that the candidates would work collectively to deepen democratic dividends across the state.

 

“This is not about individual ambition alone; it is about protecting the future of Oyo State and consolidating on the achievements already recorded. We are united, and we are prepared to serve the people with sincerity and fairness,” Odidiomo said.

 

Sources close to the meeting disclosed that discussions centered on political unity, grassroots mobilization, and sustaining the developmental momentum associated with Governor Makinde’s administration.

 

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, was also said to have witnessed the strategic meeting alongside other influential stakeholders within the political structure.

 

Lawal reportedly congratulated Adekanmbi and the senatorial candidates while expressing optimism that the political family would remain united ahead of the next general elections.

 

Political observers in the state believe the consensus arrangement may reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, especially with increasing alignments and consultations among major political actors across the state.

 

Adekanmbi’s emergence is already generating conversations within political circles, with supporters describing it as an attempt to maintain continuity, stability, and the governance philosophy championed by Governor Makinde over the years.

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Politics

CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu

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Why Seyi Tinubu is not your usual silver spoon

CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu

 

 

The CityBoy Movement has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media post alleging that its patron, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, made blasphemous remarks concerning God and the 2027 presidential election.

 

In a statement issued on Monday by the group’s Deputy Director-General for Communication and Public Affairs, O’tega Ogra, the movement described the publication as “deliberately inflammatory” and aimed at creating religious tension in the country.

 

The group said the statement, allegedly authored by one “Albaabu Abudulahi,” falsely attributed comments to Tinubu which he never made “at any time, in any place, through any channel, or under any circumstance whatsoever.”

 

According to the statement, the allegation was “entirely false, malicious in intent, reckless in circulation and dangerous in consequence.”

 

The movement maintained that Seyi Tinubu is a man of faith who believes that all authority comes from God alone and would never insult or diminish the supremacy of God or Allah.

“He has never insulted, mocked, questioned or diminished the supremacy of Almighty God or Allah, and will never do so,” the statement read.

The group further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to damage Tinubu’s image and provoke unnecessary religious controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While reaffirming Tinubu’s support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, the CityBoy Movement stressed that all political ambitions and public service efforts remain subject to “the will and guidance of Almighty God.”

The organisation urged Nigerians to disregard the circulating claims, describing them as a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow division along religious lines.

It also called on media organisations, digital publishers and social media users to verify information before sharing materials capable of threatening national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The statement reiterated the movement’s commitment to democratic engagement, responsible public conduct and respect for all faiths.

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