Mojisola Meranda’s tenure as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly lasted barely a month before she stepped down, paving the way for Mudashiru Obasa’s return. If you think Nigerian politics is unpredictable, Lagos just proved you wrong, because, somehow, everything still circles back to the same faces.
On Monday, Meranda resigned as Speaker, reading her resignation letter at plenary and accepting a nomination for Deputy Speaker instead. The House wasted no time in reshuffling leadership, reinstating familiar names like David Setonji as Deputy Chief Whip, Richard Kasumu as Deputy Majority Leader, Adewale Temitope as Majority Leader, and Mojeed Fatai as Chief Whip.
And just like that, the man who was impeached for alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and authoritarian leadership is back in charge. The same lawmakers who voted him out—32 out of 40—have suddenly changed their minds.
Is Democracy in Lagos Just an Illusion?
Obasa was first removed for a reason. Allegations of corruption and high-handedness led to his impeachment, but it seems Lagos lawmakers have a short memory—or selective amnesia. How does a man who was voted out by a majority suddenly become the best option again?
If democracy is about accountability, then Lagos is running its own version. One where lawmakers pretend to act in the people’s interest, only to backtrack when convenient. What changed between January and now? Did Obasa suddenly become a saint?
Lagos Politics: Where Power Circles Back to the Same Hands
Nigerian politics is a revolving door, but Lagos takes it to another level. It’s the same story, the same actors, just different scenes. One minute, Obasa is too corrupt to remain in office. The next, he’s the best man for the job.
If Lagos lawmakers think no one is watching, they should think again. Nigerians see the game. The only question now is how long before Obasa is removed again? Or has he finally tamed the Assembly to do his bidding?
