President Bola Tinubu has resolved the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, throwing his weight behind the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, despite an initial recommendation for his resignation.
The resolution came after a meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
Tinubu’s Verdict Contradicts Initial Panel Recommendation
Tinubu’s decision directly contradicts the advice of a high-powered mediation panel led by former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel. The panel, alongside the Governance Advisory Council, had initially recommended that Obasa step down after his reinstatement to allow for a power balance in Lagos politics.
According to The Bureau Newspaper, the panel’s initial agreement had required that Mojisola Meranda resign as Speaker to facilitate Obasa’s return. The understanding was that Obasa would also step down shortly after, paving the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West.
On March 3, 2025—49 days after Obasa’s impeachment—Meranda complied with the arrangement, resigning and reverting to her previous role as Deputy Speaker, while Obasa was reinstated as Speaker.
However, in an unexpected turn, Obasa refused to step down as agreed. Instead, he adjourned the Assembly indefinitely, sparking fresh tensions.
Obasa’s Controversial Impeachment
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers, who accused him of high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and authoritarian leadership. Following his removal, Meranda was elected as Speaker but later stepped down under pressure from party leaders.
Tinubu Brokers Peace, Calls for Unity
On Wednesday, lawmakers arrived at the Presidential Villa in a Coaster bus around 2 pm, while Obasa arrived separately at about 3 pm. The meeting, held behind closed doors, saw Tinubu addressing grievances and urging members to work together for the stability of the Assembly and the state.
A presidency official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the lawmakers had resolved to work with Obasa following Tinubu’s intervention.
“Tinubu met the lawmakers behind closed doors. They expressed their grievances, and the President resolved the problems. With this development, Obasa will stay as Speaker, and his position is no longer under threat. All the lawmakers have agreed to work with him. They even had a photo session with the President after the meeting,” the source disclosed.
Stakeholders Express Displeasure Over Broken Agreement
Despite the resolution, some Lagos political stakeholders are reportedly unhappy that the initial agreement, brokered by the Akande panel, was not honored. However, the presidency source assured that Tinubu would engage with all aggrieved parties to maintain unity.
“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement. I’m sure the President will engage everyone to settle the matter,” the source added.
Tinubu Directs Obasa to Withdraw Court Case
Further reports indicate that Tinubu also instructed Obasa to withdraw his 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,” a source close to Obasa revealed.
Earlier, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had stated that the Speaker had not withdrawn his suit despite being reinstated. The legal battle, which challenges allegations of high-handedness and fraudulent practices, is still pending before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja. The case is set for hearing on March 17, 2025.
With Tinubu’s intervention, political observers are keen to see whether Obasa will fully comply with the new directive or if fresh tensions will emerge in the Lagos State Assembly.