UPDATE: Lagos Lawmakers Reject Obasa, Reaffirm Meranda as Speaker

Lagos Lawmakers: The political turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly has deepened as members of the assembly have rejected Mudashiru Obasa’s claim to the speakership. In a strong rebuttal to Obasa’s assertions, 36 lawmakers reaffirmed their support for the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, insisting that she remains the legitimate leader of the legislative body.

Lagos Lawmakers Stand Firm Against Obasa’s Claim

Addressing journalists at the assembly complex on Thursday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, made it clear that the assembly members remain resolute in their decision to uphold Obasa’s removal. Ogundipe called upon the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos to step in and mediate the ongoing crisis.

“We were approached by our leaders that we should remain calm and take things easy. But we are surprised to see what is happening here today,” Ogundipe stated. “We won’t take laws into our hands, just as we told the staff not to take laws into their hands. But we all belong to different constituencies, and we have our mandate. Whatever has to happen, the leadership should speak with us and not this charade we are seeing.”

He further emphasized that the Lagos lawmakers had remained law-abiding throughout the crisis and demanded that they be given the respect and dignity they deserve as elected representatives of the people.

Despite his removal, Obasa attempted to assert authority by storming the assembly complex alongside security officials around noon on Thursday. Symfoni News reports that Obasa proceeded to enter the Speaker’s Office, an action seen as an effort to reclaim his position. Notably, two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II)—were spotted accompanying him.

This development followed the withdrawal of security aides assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda, raising concerns about a possible shift in power dynamics within the assembly.

Obasa’s removal stemmed from a litany of accusations leveled against him by a significant majority of the lawmakers. Over 90 percent of the assembly members cited the following grievances: Poor leadership style, Perpetual lateness to legislative functions and plenary sessions, High-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers, Disrespect towards the executive, including the governor, Abuse of office and privileges, Intimidation and oppression of assembly members

These allegations created a strong consensus among lawmakers that a change in leadership was necessary to restore integrity and efficiency within the legislative house.

Amid the escalating leadership crisis, top APC stalwarts, including former governors of Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states—Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode—held a series of meetings over the past weekend. The meetings, reportedly convened on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, sought to broker peace between Obasa and Meranda and resolve the conflict amicably.

Sources within the party disclosed that a consensus might be reached where both Obasa and Meranda step aside for a neutral candidate. A member of the Governors Advisory Council, Chief Muraina Taiwo, revealed that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West was being considered as a potential replacement for the speakership.

The crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly is a significant development in the political landscape of the state. As a major economic and political hub in Nigeria, any disruption in the governance of Lagos can have widespread implications. With APC leaders actively seeking a resolution, the outcome of this power struggle could influence political alignments ahead of future elections.

For now, the 36 lawmakers remain steadfast in their rejection of Obasa as Speaker, while the APC leadership deliberates on a lasting solution to the standoff. As events continue to unfold, all eyes will be on the Lagos Assembly to see whether stability can be restored or if further political maneuvering will shape the next phase of leadership in the state legislature.

The rejection of Obasa by the Lagos Assembly members marks a critical juncture in the state’s political affairs. With accusations of poor leadership and misconduct leading to his removal, and APC stakeholders seeking a resolution, the future of the Assembly’s leadership remains uncertain. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Meranda retains her position, whether a new leader emerges, or if Obasa somehow regains control. Regardless of the outcome, this crisis underscores the importance of accountability and effective leadership in governance.

Lagos Assembly: Speaker Meranda’s Position Threatened, Could be replaced by Setonjo or Rauf