Lagos Assembly has ignored President Tinubu’s directive to reinstate Obasa as Meranda retains Speakership amid escalating crisis.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the crisis surrounding the removal of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has deepened as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos reportedly defied President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reinstate him.
Following a deadlocked meeting with lawmakers, GAC leaders visited Tinubu to brief him on the unresolved leadership tussle.
READ ALSO: Lagos Lawmakers, GAC Take Final Decision On Assembly’s Speakership Tussle
Despite the president’s alleged order for Obasa’s reinstatement, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda remains the substantive speaker, backed by a majority of lawmakers.
On January 13, 2025, 32 out of 40 Assembly members impeached Obasa in absentia over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness.
His removal, however, has sparked a power struggle within the APC, with key figures in Tinubu’s camp reportedly opposing the decision.
The GAC, led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, convened an emergency meeting on Monday at Lagos House, Marina, to address the crisis.
Lawmakers from Lagos West, who were expected to push for a new speaker to balance the state’s political structure, instead threw their full support behind Meranda, rejecting efforts to remove her.
Sources revealed to Vanguard that Tinubu, displeased with the outcome, had instructed the GAC to intervene and ensure Obasa’s return as a temporary measure before electing a new speaker.
However, conservative members within the GAC, led by Olusi, resisted the directive, causing further divisions within the ruling party.
Amid rising tensions, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been accused of working behind the scenes to oppose Obasa’s reinstatement, despite appearing neutral in public.
Reports suggest that he encouraged lawmakers to stand firm against Obasa’s return, fueling speculation about a shifting power dynamic in Lagos politics.
With the crisis unresolved, the GAC has now taken the matter to Abuja for further deliberation, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
