The removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has resulted in a leadership crisis. Thirty-five MPs maintain that Mojisola Meranda is still the genuine leader, notwithstanding Obasa’s assertion that he is still the Speaker and his desire to return to work with his Security escorts restored. Top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including previous governors and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have intervened in the crisis, resulting in fierce political wrangling. According to reports, a panel first suggested that he resign and that Meranda be replaced by another legislator from Lagos West. However, this plan fell through when Obasa abruptly returned, apparently with President Bola Tinubu’s support.
This conflict has revealed deep divisions within the APC, with some leaders supporting Obasa and others supporting Meranda. The power struggle has resulted in increased security at the Assembly complex, limiting movement and access. He has also challenged his removal in court, and a legal battle between lawyers representing different factions is complicating matters further. Meranda, despite having the support of most lawmakers, has not had her full security detail restored and has criticised Obasa’s attempts to regain power.
Ex-speaker was impeached on accusations of serious misconduct.
Concerns have been raised regarding the Governance Advisory Council’s (GAC) future position as it has been marginalised despite its prior influence in settling party disagreements. Party leaders reject the president’s participation while calling for reconciliation. Many politicians and observers, however, think Tinubu’s influence is clear, particularly in light of recent changes in important security positions. The Lagos State House of Assembly’s leadership issue, which involves important political individuals and institutions, has attracted a lot of attention. Official statements, a summary of the court case, and an examination of the Governance Advisory Council’s (GAC) changing position in this situation are all examined here.
Mojisola Meranda was chosen as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly after former Speaker Mudashiru was impeached on January 13, 2025, due to accusations of serious misconduct and abuse of office. Obasa made an attempt to regain his position after being removed, claiming to be the rightful Speaker and forcibly entering the Assembly complex with security personnel. Stephen Ogundipe, the Assembly’s spokesperson, responded to these developments by expressing disbelief and stressing that most MPs did not acknowledge Obasa’s return, while also restating their support for Speaker Meranda.
GAC has been essential in preserving party unity & directing state affairs.
More so, the main focus of the legal dispute is Obasa’s attempt to have him impeached. He has launched a lawsuit, claiming that the House’s break processes were unconstitutional and that the Speaker or another designated authority should properly reconvene the body. The representation of the Assembly has been disputed between Femi Falana, SAN, and Abang Mkpandiok, resulting in a conflict about legitimate counsel. Lawyer Afolabi Fashanu is representing Obasa. On March 7, 2025, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro has set a hearing date for all outstanding applications.
Comprising prominent individuals who direct significant policy choices and political appointments, the GAC has long been a potent force in Lagos State politics. The council, which was established under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s direction, has been essential in preserving party unity and directing state affairs. But the current issue has brought attention to a possible waning of the GAC’s power. The council has had trouble breaking the deadlock despite its attempts at mediation, which have included meetings presided over by notable members like Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
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Its difficulties in establishing its authority are demonstrated by the non-implementation of its recommendations, which include the suggested resignation of Obasa and the resignation of Meranda to create room for another legislator from Lagos West to take over as Speaker. The emergence of new power dynamics that threaten the established structures and internal divides within the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be the cause of this declining influence. A reassessment of the GAC’s significance in the state’s governance may result from its incapacity to adequately handle the Assembly’s leadership problem, which raises doubts about its standing as the highest decision-making body in Lagos politics.