Lagos Assembly Speakership Crisis Resolved, Meranda Stays in Power
Tinubu Unable to Meet GAC, Meranda’s Position Secured
Fresh indications confirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped back from intervening in the Lagos State House of Assembly speakership dispute. This follows intense pressure from influential figures and stakeholders, allowing Mojisola Meranda to retain her role as Speaker.
The Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) had planned a crucial meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja to discuss the Assembly’s leadership crisis. However, the President, preoccupied with official duties—including preparations for his state visit to France—was unavailable for a physical meeting.
Instead, GAC representatives, who had convened an emergency session in Lagos before traveling, briefed Tinubu via telephone on the lawmakers’ resolution to uphold Meranda’s leadership. The discussion ultimately led to the decision to maintain the status quo.
Obasa’s Removal and GAC’s Failed Intervention
On January 13, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly voted in favor of removing former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in absentia. Thirty-two out of forty members supported his impeachment, citing financial misconduct, abuse of office, and high-handed leadership. He was subsequently replaced by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, sparking heated reactions from GAC members, party loyalists, and the general public.
Sources reveal that both President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction over Obasa’s impeachment and Meranda’s appointment. The President, while conceding to Obasa’s removal, reportedly advocated for the speakership to be reassigned to a legislator from Lagos West, as the Governor and Speaker both hail from Lagos Central. However, Assembly members firmly rejected this proposal, insisting on their right to determine their leadership for effective governance under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda.
Despite alternative offers, lawmakers from Lagos West—numbering about 20—chose to stand by Meranda’s leadership, even at the risk of losing their return tickets in 2027.
Sanwo-Olu Relieved as Lawmakers Resume Duties
With the resolution of the crisis, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu can now refocus on governance, having previously been occupied with peace talks. A source close to the governor described the development as a “huge sigh of relief” for Sanwo-Olu, who had been limited to ceremonial duties in recent weeks.
Following a notification issued to lawmakers, the Lagos Assembly is set to reconvene on Thursday at 11 AM to address pending legislative matters. The chamber had suspended sittings amid the crisis but has now resolved to continue without further delay.
Lagos APC Chieftains Weigh in on the Crisis
Notable party members have expressed their views on the leadership changes, calling for restraint and unity within the APC. Fouad Oki, a respected Lagos APC leader, in a statement dated February 4, addressed the GAC chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, urging party elders to accept the changes and allow lawmakers to exercise their autonomy.
His statement emphasized that while the decision to remove Obasa may have surprised some, it reflects the collective will of the House and must be respected to avoid deepening internal party divisions.
Similarly, Dr. Segun Awosanya, in an open letter to President Tinubu, highlighted that the former Speaker’s removal was necessitated by a pattern of intimidation, financial marginalization, and executive interference. He described the Assembly’s decision as a watershed moment, urging Tinubu to uphold the legislature’s independence.
High-Authority Backlink:
For an in-depth analysis of legislative leadership changes and governance structures in Lagos, visit the Official Lagos State Government Portal.
Conclusion: Stability Returns to Lagos State Assembly
With Tinubu stepping back and GAC’s intervention proving unsuccessful, the Lagos State House of Assembly has resolved its leadership dispute, ensuring stability under Speaker Mojisola Meranda. This outcome reaffirms the lawmakers’ authority in determining their leadership, signaling a new chapter in Lagos political governance.
As the Assembly resumes legislative functions, all eyes remain on how the House progresses in fulfilling its duties under the Greater Lagos vision.
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