After weeks of political maneuvering and interventions, President Bola Tinubu and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reached a resolution on the crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly. The decision, which follows a series of high-level meetings, solidifies Mudashiru Obasa’s removal as Speaker, albeit allowing him a soft landing by commuting his removal to resignation.
Reliable sources from the Presidential Villa disclosed that prominent party chieftains, including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and an undisclosed former Lagos commissioner, engaged with Tinubu on the issue.
Obasa’s Exit Finalized
It was unanimously agreed that Obasa’s leadership had lost the confidence of both lawmakers and political leaders in the state. With 37 out of 39 Assembly members backing his removal, stakeholders insisted that reinstating him would be politically untenable. Consequently, while his removal remains irreversible, it was decided that he should resign voluntarily rather than be formally ousted—similar to how former Deputy Speaker Funmi Tejuosho’s removal was handled in the past.
Meranda to Step Down, Lagos West to Produce New Speaker
Another key decision was the fate of the current Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda. While Tinubu had an interest in promoting female leadership, her position became untenable due to power distribution concerns. Given that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hails from Lagos Central and his deputy from Lagos East, it was deemed necessary to allow Lagos West—the largest senatorial district—to take the Speakership.
Efforts to find a female replacement from Lagos West failed, as the only viable option was a first-time legislator from the Labour Party, making her selection impractical. As a result, Meranda will also resign, paving the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West to balance power among the three senatorial districts.
Tinubu’s Reaction and Final Intervention
Sources revealed that Tinubu was not opposed to Obasa’s removal, as he did not view him as indispensable. However, he was reportedly displeased that the impeachment blindsided him, especially given his status as the party leader and Commander-in-Chief. The president, while acknowledging the necessity of change, felt that such a major decision should not have occurred without his awareness.
Nevertheless, with several interventions, Tinubu chose to prioritize stability and progress, leading to the agreement reached over the weekend. The resolution is expected to calm tensions and restore political balance in Lagos State.
More details to follow…
