Lagos Assembly Crisis: Obasa Engages In Peace Talks With Lawmakers

The re-elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is currently engaged in a crucial closed-door reconciliatory meeting with 39 members of the legislative house.

Obasa’s Reconciliation Efforts with Lagos Lawmakers

The high-level discussion, taking place at the legislative complex in Alausa, Ikeja, commenced at approximately 2:10 PM. In attendance is Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, alongside other lawmakers. The meeting is aimed at addressing grievances, easing tensions, and fostering unity among legislators to establish a more stable legislative direction.

Contrary to public speculation, Obasa may not step down from his role as Speaker. As of 3:45 PM, the discussions were still ongoing, signaling the significance of the resolution process.

Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit Against Assembly Members

Sources indicate that Obasa is likely to withdraw the lawsuit he initiated against the House of Assembly and 33 legislators at the Ikeja Court. The case was filed following his removal as Speaker by a majority vote.

Political Intervention Leads to Obasa’s Re-election

In a dramatic political twist, Obasa secured re-election on Monday after his replacement, then-Speaker Meranda, resigned. The decision followed intense mediation efforts by the national and Lagos state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which played a pivotal role in resolving the dispute.

The Political Rift That Led to the Crisis

On January 13, 2025, Obasa was removed from office by a vote from 33 out of the 39 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, with Meranda taking over as Speaker. The decision sparked significant turmoil within the legislative house, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC)—the highest decision-making body in Lagos APC—and among party loyalists.

Given the intensity of the crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened by appointing a high-powered national reconciliation team. The committee, led by prominent political figures such as Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Segun Osoba, played a critical role in brokering peace and restoring stability within the Lagos Assembly.

External Insight and Political Stability

Political analysts suggest that resolving the Lagos Assembly crisis is crucial for maintaining legislative stability in Nigeria’s commercial hub. According to Premium Times, political conflicts within state legislatures often have far-reaching effects on governance and public policy. The reconciliation efforts spearheaded by the APC leadership demonstrate the importance of political diplomacy in resolving intra-party disputes.

Conclusion

Obasa’s reconciliatory meeting marks a significant step in fostering unity within the Lagos State House of Assembly. With political stakeholders actively working towards peace, the outcome of this dialogue could shape the future of legislative governance in Lagos.