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When Power Plays Collide with Process: Lessons from Lagos’ Speakership Saga of 2025
When Power Plays Collide with Process: Lessons from Lagos’ Speakership Saga of 2025
By Dave Agboola
Lagos politics has never been short of spectacle, but the drama that unfolded on January 13, 2025, transcended mere headlines. It became a profound stress test for democratic norms and institutional discipline in Nigeria’s most influential state.
On that day, while Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was reportedly returning from the United States, the Assembly triggered a political earthquake: his removal as Speaker after nearly a decade in office. The allegations were sweeping—financial impropriety, abuse of office, and autocratic leadership. In his absence, the House installed Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, making history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly. Yet, history, it soon became clear, was not prepared to be rewritten so abruptly.
The impeachment was hailed by its architects as a triumph of accountability. However, the manner of its execution raised unsettling questions. Reports of a “fake mace,” combined with heavy police presence within the Assembly complex, gave the episode the unsettling air of a coup rather than a constitutionally grounded legislative action. Obasa would later allege that the chamber was forcibly accessed and that his loyalists were intimidated. Beneath the surface, murmurs of deep-seated party intrigue grew louder. His rumored gubernatorial ambitions for 2027 had reportedly unsettled power blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), casting the impeachment as a pre-emptive move in a broader succession chess game.
For weeks, Lagos politics hovered dangerously close to paralysis. Meranda’s speakership lasted just 49 days before she resigned, citing the need to restore peace and unity within the House. Her exit cleared the path for Obasa’s return, but the decisive intervention came from the judiciary. On April 16, 2025, the Lagos High Court declared the January 13 proceedings unconstitutional, null, and void. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro’s ruling was unambiguous: the Assembly had violated its own Standing Orders and the Constitution. Crucially, the court did not adjudicate on the substance of the allegations; it focused squarely on procedure. In a constitutional democracy, the means are as consequential as the ends.
Obasa’s reinstatement was therefore more than a personal vindication—it was an institutional reaffirmation. It underscored the judiciary’s role as a vital check on legislative excess and reinforced the principle that numerical strength cannot override procedural legality. The episode also highlighted the stabilising power of political mediation, as party elders intervened to prevent a prolonged institutional crisis, reminding all stakeholders that dialogue remains indispensable even amid constitutional confrontation.
Perhaps the most striking element of this saga is Obasa’s resilience. Few political figures could endure removal in absentia, relentless public scrutiny, and a barrage of allegations without resorting to inflammatory rhetoric or extra-institutional tactics. Obasa did neither. Instead, he chose the courts over chaos, patience over provocation. That decision alone speaks volumes about his mental strength and strategic discipline.
Beyond legal vindication, his ability to reclaim leadership after such a bruising episode reflects uncommon psychological stamina. For nearly three months, he operated under intense pressure, with his reputation and political future hanging in the balance. Many would have buckled under such weight. Obasa did not. He absorbed the pressure, trusted the system, and ultimately emerged strengthened—sending a powerful message that resilience, not reaction, is the true currency of political survival.
Whatever one’s view of Obasa, his endurance through this storm is undeniable. To be removed in absentia, navigate a fractured legislature, and emerge vindicated by the courts requires not only political capital but composure and faith in democratic institutions. Lagos, in the end, learned a lesson that should resonate far beyond its borders: power is transient, but process is permanent. When the gavel falls, it must fall within the bounds of law—because that is the only assurance that democracy will outlive its actors.
Agboola is the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.
celebrity radar - gossips
Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars
King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants
The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.
Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.
Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema
Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.
From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.
Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.
Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.
Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller
For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.
Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.
His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.
Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.
Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force
Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.
The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.
Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.
Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.
Growing Global Influence
The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.
Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.
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Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians
Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians
The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”
Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.
He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.
The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.
“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.
He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration
Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration
By Adeyemi Obadimu Veron
The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and the world at large on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement made available to Newsmen, the revered monarch urged Muslims to embrace the true teachings of Islam by promoting peace, love, unity, sacrifice, and compassion during and after the festive period.
Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam as it symbolizes total obedience, faith, and devotion to Almighty Allah, drawing inspiration from the unwavering sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete submission to the will of God.
According to the monarch, the Holy Qur’an teaches believers the importance of righteousness, kindness to humanity, tolerance, and support for the less privileged in society. He emphasized that the season should serve as a reminder for all Nigerians to live in harmony irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political differences.
The royal father further called on Muslims to use the sacred period to pray fervently for peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria, stressing that national progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual understanding.
Oba Saliu also encouraged the faithful to extend hands of generosity to widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration and feasting, but also reflects the spirit of sharing and caring for humanity as instructed in the Qur’an.
While wishing Muslims a peaceful and memorable Eid celebration, the Oloworo of Oworosoki prayed for divine blessings, prosperity, good health, and continued harmony in homes and communities.
“May this year’s Eid-el-Kabir strengthen our faith, deepen our love for one another, and bring renewed hope and abundant blessings to our nation,” the monarch stated.
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