Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have apologized to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating impeachment proceedings against former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, following a directive from the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The apology was issued during an emergency meeting held at the Lagos House, Marina, on Monday night. The meeting was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and key members of the GAC, the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC.
Tinubu Intervenes to Reinstate Obasa
Sources at the meeting revealed that President Tinubu was displeased with the impeachment and insisted that Obasa be reinstated. Some GAC members also expressed dissatisfaction with how the impeachment was carried out, stating they were not consulted before Obasa’s removal.
To address the situation, the lawmakers were reportedly instructed to write two apology letters to the President.
- The first letter apologized for impeaching Obasa without consulting party leaders, with a pledge to commute his removal to resignation.
- The second letter, signed by 17 out of 20 lawmakers from Lagos West, expressed support for Hon. Mojisola Meranda as Speaker and indicated their willingness to disregard the APC’s zoning formula to allow her to complete her term.
Political Crisis Deepens Over Obasa’s Return
Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. He was replaced by Mojisola Meranda, but his removal triggered a crisis within the party’s leadership.
The division among APC leaders became evident when some GAC members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, opposed the impeachment, calling it illegal and a sign of disrespect for party leadership. However, their stance was dismissed by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who described their comments as childish and irrelevant.
Sanwo-Olu Allegedly Opposes Tinubu’s Directive
Reports suggest that Governor Sanwo-Olu is discreetly resisting Obasa’s reinstatement, despite publicly aligning with the President’s directive. He reportedly met with party loyalists and some lawmakers, encouraging them to continue resisting Obasa’s return.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Lagos Island, where Meranda hails from, with top political figures backing efforts to prevent Obasa’s reinstatement.
The situation remains tense as another GAC meeting is expected to deliberate further on the President’s response to the lawmakers’ apology letters.
