The ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has officially resumed his position as the parliament’s leader.
Obasa confirmed his return on Thursday after entering the assembly complex under the protection of police and State Security Service (SSS) personnel. This marks his first appearance in the Speaker’s Office since his removal on January 13.
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa declared.
Reports indicate that Obasa arrived at the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon, accompanied by security officials. His return follows the withdrawal of security aides assigned to Mojisola Meranda, who was elected Speaker after Obasa’s removal.
The Lagos Assembly has been entangled in a leadership crisis since Obasa’s ousting. Over 90 per cent of the lawmakers accused him of poor leadership, frequent lateness to legislative duties, high-handedness, and a lack of respect for his colleagues and the executive arm, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Other allegations include abuse of office, intimidation, and the oppression of fellow lawmakers.
In a bid to resolve the crisis, key figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – including former governors Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) – held meetings last weekend with political stakeholders under the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
Sources revealed that both Obasa and Meranda might eventually step aside to allow another lawmaker to assume the Speaker position. A member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Muraina Taiwo, disclosed that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West is being considered as the next Speaker.
The power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly reflects a broader political tussle that has drawn the attention of top APC leaders and stakeholders as they seek to restore stability to the legislative body.