In a dramatic turn of events, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have firmly rejected Mudashiru Obasa’s claim to still hold the position of Speaker, reaffirming their unwavering support for Mojisola Meranda.
The 36 lawmakers present at the assembly on Thursday made it clear that Meranda remains the legitimate Speaker, dismissing Obasa’s attempts to regain control.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, insisting that the decision to remove Obasa stands.
He urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos to step in and help resolve the ongoing leadership crisis, calling on party officials to engage with the assembly members directly instead of tolerating what he described as “this charade.”
“We’ve been calm and patient at the request of our leaders, but the current situation is unacceptable. We respect the law, but we demand respect and dignity as elected representatives. We need the party leadership to engage with us directly. This cannot continue,” Ogundipe declared.
Meanwhile, tension mounted at the assembly complex as Obasa, accompanied by a few lawmakers, including Ayinde Akinsanya and Noheem Adams, attempted to re-enter the Speaker’s office, escorted by security officials.
This move followed the controversial withdrawal of Meranda’s security aides, further intensifying the crisis.
The leadership struggle stems from Obasa’s removal after widespread dissatisfaction with his tenure. Over 90 percent of lawmakers had accused him of poor leadership, constant tardiness, a domineering attitude, disregard for colleagues, and abuse of office.
These issues led to Meranda’s election as the new Speaker, though the conflict remains unresolved.
To mediate, high-ranking APC leaders, including former governors from Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states, gathered last weekend for a series of talks aimed at resolving the impasse.
The outcome hinted that both Obasa and Meranda could step aside, paving the way for a new Speaker. Speculation is rife that a lawmaker from Lagos West is under consideration to lead the House, with further discussions expected in the coming days.
The ongoing drama in the Lagos State House of Assembly continues to unfold as the lawmakers demand clarity and respect for their mandates, while the APC leadership works to navigate the turbulent political waters.
