By Olasunkanmi Akoni*
Abuja – President Bola Tinubu has successfully mediated the prolonged leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling on all lawmakers to unite and support the leadership of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The resolution marks the end of a two-month political standoff that had threatened the stability of the legislative house. The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 35 out of 40 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa as Speaker, citing allegations of high-handedness, financial misconduct, and autocratic leadership. Following his ouster, Mojisola Meranda, then Deputy Speaker, was appointed as the new Speaker.
However, after weeks of tension and interventions by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both national and state levels, Meranda resigned on March 3, paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker. Meranda has since returned to her former role as Deputy Speaker.
A reliable source disclosed that the 40-member House met with President Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday, where a truce was brokered in the interest of the Assembly and the progress of Lagos State.
“With this development, Obasa remains a Speaker, and his position is no longer under threat. All lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” the source revealed.
The meeting concluded with a photo session between the lawmakers and the President, signalling a renewed commitment to unity.
While some Lagos stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction over the breach of an earlier agreement facilitated by the Akande panel, the source assured that President Tinubu would engage all aggrieved parties to ensure lasting peace.
“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel. However, the President will engage everyone to resolve the matter amicably,” the source added.
In a further move to solidify the truce, President Tinubu reportedly directed Speaker Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.
“The President urged the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work and also advised Obasa to drop the case against Meranda and the lawmakers. Both parties have agreed to this,” another source close to the Speaker confirmed.
The resolution is expected to restore stability to the Lagos State House of Assembly, allowing lawmakers to focus on legislative duties and the development of the state.
