President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the leadership turmoil within the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa’s continuation as Speaker, despite prior recommendations from a mediation panel advising his resignation.
The resolution followed a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by all 40 lawmakers. This decision directly contradicts the guidance provided by a panel led by former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, which had suggested that Obasa should step down after being reinstated.
Initially, the committee had proposed that Mojisola Meranda resign as Speaker to clear the path for Obasa’s return, with the understanding that he would also eventually resign to allow for the selection of a new Speaker from Lagos West, thereby creating a more balanced political representation in the state.
On March 3, following Obasa’s impeachment, Meranda stepped down and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was reinstated under this agreement but subsequently adjourned the Assembly indefinitely and did not resign as originally intended.
Obasa had faced removal on January 13 due to accusations from 35 lawmakers regarding authoritarian conduct, financial mismanagement, and high-handed leadership. Meranda took over as Speaker but resigned amid pressures from party leaders.
During the assembly at the Presidential Villa, the lawmakers arrived collectively in a Coaster bus and were escorted into the President’s office. While Meranda came with other lawmakers, Obasa arrived separately.
The meeting, conducted behind closed doors, saw Tinubu successfully facilitate a resolution among the disputing factions, urging all members to collaborate with Obasa for enhanced stability within the Assembly and the state.
A source from the Presidency remarked, “The President met with the lawmakers privately to discuss their concerns. He has addressed the issues, affirming that Obasa will continue as Speaker, and all lawmakers agreed to move forward together.”
Although some stakeholders expressed discontent with the abandonment of the original plan, the source assured that Tinubu would engage everyone involved to ensure unity.
Furthermore, a close associate of Obasa disclosed that Tinubu instructed the Speaker to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court. The President emphasized that Obasa should focus on his responsibilities while also retracting the lawsuit against Meranda and the other lawmakers.
Obasa’s attorney indicated that even after his reinstatement, the Speaker had not withdrawn his legal challenge in light of serious allegations still pending.
The Lagos State High Court is set to continue hearing the case filed by Obasa in a forthcoming session.
