By: Bayero Ade
The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has deepened as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly ignored President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
According to Afripost, Despite Tinubu’s intervention, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda remains the Speaker, supported by a majority of lawmakers. The GAC, after meeting with the president, was tasked with resolving the deadlock, but efforts to reinstate Obasa have faced resistance.
Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, when 32 out of 40 Assembly members voted to impeach him, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and misconduct. This move has caused a rift within the APC, with factions within Tinubu’s political camp at odds over the matter.
On Monday, the GAC, led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Some lawmakers from Lagos West had initially supported a leadership change to balance the state’s political structure but ended up reaffirming their support for Meranda, rejecting calls for her removal.
Sources indicate that Tinubu, unhappy with the outcome, instructed the GAC to reinstate Obasa temporarily to maintain stability before a new speaker is chosen. However, strong opposition within the GAC, particularly from Olusi and other senior members, led to a standoff, deepening divisions within the party.
Although Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly remained neutral, rumors suggest he is subtly backing Meranda’s retention and discouraging efforts to reinstate Obasa. It is believed he has urged lawmakers to maintain their position, hinting at shifting political dynamics within the state.
With no resolution in sight, the crisis has now been escalated to Abuja, where further discussions are expected to determine the future of the Lagos Assembly leadership.
Leave a Reply