Lagos lawmakers reportedly apologize to Tinubu over impeachment of ex-Speaker Obasa

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have formally apologized to President Bola Tinubu for their role in initiating the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

The apology follows a directive from the leadership of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC), issued during an emergency meeting on Monday night at the Lagos House, Marina.

The GAC, the highest decision-making body within Lagos APC, was convened after reports emerged that President Tinubu was displeased with the impeachment process.

According to sources close to the meeting, Tinubu instructed that the impeachment be reversed, insisting that Obasa be reinstated.

According to Sahara Reporters, the meeting, which was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, witnessed a heated discussion about the removal of Obasa, with some GAC members expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation before the Speaker’s ousting.

In response to the President’s directive, the lawmakers were instructed to write two apology letters to Tinubu.

The first letter served as an apology for removing Obasa without prior consultation with key party leaders. In the letter, the lawmakers expressed their commitment to converting the impeachment into a resignation.

The second letter was written by members from Lagos West, who, after a series of disagreements, confirmed their acceptance of Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker while disregarding the party’s zoning formula. Seventeen of the 20 lawmakers from Lagos West signed this letter.

The impeachment of Obasa on January 13, 2025, came amid allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement.

Recall that some prominent GAC members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, publicly criticized Obasa’s removal, calling it illegal and an affront to party leadership.

However, their opposition was quickly dismissed by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who urged party leaders to refrain from making public statements that could further fuel the crisis.

Further sources revealed that President Tinubu’s directive for Obasa’s reinstatement was intended to stabilize the party and avoid political turmoil in the state.

A senior Lagos politician confirmed that the President had made it clear that Obasa would remain in office temporarily, with the understanding that he would eventually resign on his terms.

Despite the President’s intervention, there are still factions within the Lagos APC that are resistant to Obasa’s return.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, although publicly toeing the line, is reportedly quietly opposing the reinstatement, feeling uncomfortable with the President’s decision.