The leadership crisis plaguing the Lagos State House of Assembly reached a boiling point on Thursday, January 26, 2025, as Mudashiru Obasa forcefully reclaims speakership defying his removal on January 13th.
Obasa’s unexpected return which occurred at around 11:30 AM on Thursday morning plunged the Assembly into disarray. The ousted Speaker escorted by armed security personnel, reportedly broke into the Speaker’s office, declaring himself the legitimate leader while the current speaker Mojisola Meranda was absent and the Assembly on indefinite recess.
Obasa’s Resumption and Security Concerns
Following his controversial breaking in, Obasa declared his resumption as Assembly Speaker “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” igniting further tension. This recent development follows a suspicious withdrawal of security details assigned to the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, by order of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The withdrawal of security details was confirmed by an aide to Meranda who claimed that the withdrawal left her “exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis.” The aide therefore appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
Onafeko’s Attempted Return
Adding to the chaos, former and suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, attempted to resume his duties on Wednesday. His attempt, accompanied by his lawyer and security detail, was thwarted by security personnel, resulting in a public scene captured on video and condemned by the Assembly management as an “unauthorized entry.”
The Genesis of the Crisis
The current crisis stems from Obasa’s January 13th removal by a 32-member vote out of 40, citing allegations of poor leadership, lateness, high-handedness, and disregard for colleagues and the executive. Mojisola Meranda was subsequently elected as Speaker.
Failed Mediation Attempts
Despite multiple high-level interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), efforts to resolve the dispute remain unsuccessful. Meetings involving prominent APC figures, including former governors, failed to produce a resolution. Reports suggested that both Obasa and Meranda were being considered for replacement, potentially by a member of the Lagos West caucus.
Escalating Tensions and Calls for Intervention
Segun Ajiboye, Chief Press Secretary to Speaker Meranda, confirmed Obasa’s forceful entry, accusing him of “breaking into the office.” The escalating situation has prompted stakeholders to demand immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex.
Meetings involving APC bigwigs, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, were held last weekend to address the crisis. As at Wednesday, reports from various sources indicated that both Obasa and Meranda were being considered to step aside for a new Speaker, with a member of the Lagos West caucus being favoured. Chief Muraina Taiwo, a member of the GAC, confirmed the report.
Conclusion
The forceful resumption of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly represents a significant escalation of an already volatile political situation. The actions of both Obasa and Onafeko, coupled with the withdrawal of security from Speaker Meranda, highlight the deep divisions within the Assembly and the urgent need for decisive intervention from relevant authorities to restore order, uphold the rule of law, and prevent further potential violence. The ongoing crisis exposes the fragility of political stability in Lagos State and the need for a swift and effective resolution to prevent further damage to the legislative process and the public’s trust in the Assembly.
