The removal of Hon Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly by 37 members led to leadership crisis creating chaos in the legislature. Lagos Lawmakers on January 13, 2025 during the plenary removed Obasa following allegations of corruption, highhandedness, lateness and others.
Based on available information, members of Lagos Assembly were not pleased with leadership style of Obasa, the member representing Agege Constituency 1 in Lagos West Senatorial district. This further confirmed reservations of some Lagosians following his actions and inactions on governance related issues.
His approach has created friction between executive and legislative leading to rejection of nominees from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, introduction of obnoxious bills such as review of Lagos State Local Government Administration law, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission and overbearing influence on local government Chairmen.
Without doubt the legislature is an independent body just like executive and judiciary arms of government. However, three arms suppose to be working together for collective good of the Centre of Excellence.
Post Election Drama
It’s worthy of note that Obasa’s removal created unnecessary drama and power play which public affairs analysts see as reaction of forces behind the throne. Nobody would expect somebody accused of corruption having the audacity to address press conferences and issuing threats without backing of power brokers in the state.
The invasion of Lagos State House of Assembly by Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) officers on February 17 show Obasa’s removal unsettled power that be. It will be difficult for Obasa to pull any stunt with security as a lone ranger. The crisis also resulted to change of Lagos State Police Commissioner who later withdrew security aides of new Speaker, Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda on February 28, paving way for Obasa to access Assembly complex and held plenary with four lawmakers.
Lagosians are smart people and can read beyond the lines. It’s crystal clear that some power brokers gave Obasa leverage during the 49 days crisis.
GAC intervention and resolution
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) under the leadership of Pa Olusi were briefed about the development in the State Assembly on January 14 during a meeting held at Lagos House, Marina. They reportedly gave their blessings to Meranda led leadership.
GAC is the highest political organ of Lagos State Chapter of All Progressives Congress comprising Party Elders across the 20 local government areas.
Some Political Watchers described the change of tune by GAC in the midway and enlistment of former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and ex-Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba to resolve the crisis by President Bola Tinubu send signals to Lagos Lawmakers.
Credible Source within knowledge of discussion at reconciliation meeting between GAC and the Lawmakers said they rule out reinstatement of Obasa. 35 lawmakers openly rejected the Agege Lawmaker’s reinstatement and back Meranda leadership.
However, the Party leadership reportedly proposed three ways resolution insisting that Lawmakers have no absolute power to remove the Speaker without consulting them. The resolution include;
1. Resignation of Hon Mojisola Meranda as Speaker
2. Reinstatement of Hon Mudashiru Obasa
3. Election of new Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial district
For emphasis, what played out at Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday was the implementation of resolution as agreed by Party Leaders. Hence, the Lawmakers would need to implement final part with expected resignation of Obasa and new Speaker election on Wednesday.
Some Lagosians have picked hole in GAC stance noting that they gave Obasa undue advantage over his colleagues. According to them, the highest political organ in Lagos State did not raise issue of consultation when Obasa singlehandedly suspended Chairman of Alimosho local government and named successor. They didn’t query him for introducing obnoxious bills against LCDAs in the state.
Conclusively, the ability of GAC to ensure full compliance with their resolution will determine if the Lagos Assembly crisis has been resolved finally. Lagosians are watching!