In a dramatic turn of events, Mudashiru Obasa has reclaimed his position as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda from the role. Obasa, who was previously removed from the position, made a surprising comeback, while Meranda reverted to her former role as Deputy Speaker. This development comes amid a series of resignations by other leaders within the House.
Earlier today, tensions ran high as both Obasa and Meranda arrived at the Assembly complex, sparking fears of a potential showdown and a breakdown of law and order. However, after a strategic meeting involving key stakeholders—including Obasa, Meranda, Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Mohammed Alade Pedro (SAN), APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and 38 lawmakers—Meranda presided over a plenary session that facilitated the return to the status quo.
The Lagos Assembly has been embroiled in a crisis since January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa and former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, electing Meranda as the substantive Speaker. The political turmoil has drawn the attention of the Presidency and other principal actors, who have reportedly intervened to mediate the situation.
Sources close to the Presidency revealed that efforts have been made to persuade lawmakers to support Obasa’s return. Members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) were also urged to rein in anti-Obasa lawmakers. This followed the disbandment of the Bisi Akande-led committee, which was initially tasked with resolving the crisis. The committee was reportedly dissolved after its findings indicated that the odds were against Obasa.
The Akande committee, which included prominent figures such as Aremo Olusegun Osoba and former APC National Vice Chairman Pius Akinyelure, was disbanded, and GAC members were instructed to ensure their loyalists in the Assembly and executive branches backed Obasa’s return.
However, if these efforts fail, the Presidency and party leaders are reportedly considering allowing the courts to resolve the crisis. Obasa has already filed a lawsuit challenging his removal, naming Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers as respondents. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has adjourned the hearing of all pending applications in the case to March 7.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on the Lagos State House of Assembly, with the possibility of a protracted legal battle looming if a resolution is not reached soon.
