Obasa Declares He Remains Lagos Assembly Speaker Until Further Notice

Obasa Declares He Remains Lagos Assembly Speaker Until Further Notice

The ongoing leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn, as fresh initiatives to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker have been uncovered. The crisis, which erupted following the removal of Obasa and former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, saw the election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

Renewed Efforts to Reinstate Obasa

Reliable sources close to the presidency and key political stakeholders confirm that attempts are being made to persuade legislators to reconsider their stance and support Obasa’s return. Additionally, members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have been urged to intervene and rally their loyalists in the Assembly in favor of Obasa.

The disbandment of the Bisi Akande committee, which was initially established to mediate the crisis, has further complicated the situation. Reports suggest that the committee was dissolved due to findings that did not favor Obasa’s reinstatement. In response, political leaders have turned to the GAC to leverage their influence and push for his return.

A source revealed: “The Bisi Akande committee was disbanded, and the President has instructed GAC members to ensure their loyalists in the Assembly work towards reinstating Obasa. Some have also been tasked with securing executive support for his return.”

Obasa, in a bid to regain support, has also begun reaching out to legislators opposed to him, attempting to win them over through negotiations and strategic alliances.

Legal Battle Over Assembly Leadership Looms

Should political maneuvers fail, sources indicate that the matter could be settled in court. The presidency reportedly insists on Obasa’s return, but a significant faction of the Assembly remains firm in supporting Meranda. With both sides unwilling to back down, legal proceedings could determine the rightful Speaker.

Obasa has already taken legal action, filing a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging the legality of his removal. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has scheduled the next hearing for March 7, 2025.

Legal experts note that if the case proceeds through the judicial system, it could escalate from the High Court to the Supreme Court, prolonging the crisis indefinitely.

Assembly Staff Directed to Work from Home

In light of the ongoing turmoil, the Assembly management has implemented a remote work policy for all staff and legislative aides to prevent any disruption of law and order. Acting Clerk Babatunde Abubakar issued an official memo emphasizing that this decision aligns with directives from the Head of Service, reinforcing the leadership transition in the Assembly.

The memo states: “To ensure safety and avoid unnecessary conflicts, all staff members are advised to work remotely until further notice. Communication channels must remain open, and urgent tasks will be assigned as necessary.”

This measure follows tensions between Assembly staff and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who previously stormed the Assembly complex, sealing offices and blocking lawmakers from holding plenary sessions.

GAC Distances Itself from Obasa’s Removal

Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, has denied claims that the council played a role in Obasa’s removal. Speaking on the matter, Olusi clarified: “The GAC was not consulted before the removal of Obasa. The lawmakers acted independently without seeking advice from the party or its elders.”

Olusi further emphasized that lawmakers should have lodged their grievances through party channels before taking action, asserting that leadership changes should be a party decision rather than a unilateral move by legislators.

Conclusion: Political Intrigue and Legal Uncertainty

As the Lagos Assembly leadership crisis unfolds, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Obasa will reclaim his position or if Meranda will solidify her role as Speaker. With political negotiations intensifying and a looming court battle, the situation remains fluid.

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