President Bola Tinubu has intervened to resolve the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, reaffirming his support for Mudashiru Obasa’s return as Speaker, despite an earlier recommendation for his resignation.
The resolution came following a crucial meeting between Tinubu and all 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The President’s decision contradicted the earlier recommendations made by a panel he set up to mediate the crisis.
The panel, which was led by former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, and the leadership of the Governance Advisory Council, had advised Obasa to step down after his reinstatement as Speaker. The panel initially recommended that Mojisola Meranda, who replaced Obasa after his impeachment, resign to allow Obasa’s return, with the understanding that Obasa would also step down shortly afterward to pave the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West, in an effort to balance the state’s political structure.
However, after Meranda resigned on March 3, 2025, and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker, Obasa resumed his role as Speaker. Yet, he defied the agreement by adjourning the Assembly indefinitely and refusing to resign as anticipated.
Obasa had been removed from his position on January 13, 2025, following accusations of high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and authoritarianism. Despite these allegations, Obasa returned to the role of Speaker after Meranda’s resignation, although his refusal to step down as per the prior agreement stirred tension among various stakeholders.
The meeting on Wednesday, which took place behind closed doors, saw the lawmakers arrive at the Presidential Villa at around 2 pm, followed by Obasa’s arrival around 3 pm. Following the discussions, a Presidency official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Tinubu had brokered peace among the factions. The President directed the lawmakers to work together with Obasa for the sake of stability in the Assembly and the state.
“Tinubu met the lawmakers behind closed doors. They spoke on their grievances, and the President has resolved the problems,” the source said. “With this, Obasa will remain as Speaker. His position is no longer under threat. All the lawmakers have agreed to work with him.”
While some stakeholders in Lagos were dissatisfied that the original agreement regarding Obasa’s resignation was not honored, the source assured that Tinubu would engage with all concerned parties to maintain unity.
Additionally, another source close to Obasa revealed that Tinubu had directed the Speaker to withdraw his ongoing lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court. “The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and Obasa should also withdraw the case against Meranda and the lawmakers in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this,” the source said.
Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had previously stated that the Speaker did not withdraw his lawsuit, despite being reinstated. He argued that the allegations against Obasa, including high-handedness and fraudulent practices, needed to be addressed.
The case is set for hearing on March 17, 2025, after being adjourned by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.
