‘What Obasa Did Was Contrary To Discussion With President Tinubu’

Today’s sitting of the Lagos State House of Assembly is set to be heated as two presiding officers, Mojisola Meranda and Mudashiru Obasa, continue to claim leadership of the legislative chamber.

With both factions unwilling to back down, the political crisis appears to be deepening.

Naijaonpoint understands that the crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 32 out of the 40 lawmakers reportedly removed Obasa as Speaker over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds.

However, Obasa, who returned from a vacation abroad over the weekend, has declared his impeachment unconstitutional and insists he remains the legitimate Speaker.

Addressing supporters and members of the Mandate Movement at his official residence in Ikeja, Obasa stated, “I am not afraid of being removed; after all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people, and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.”

He further accused the Lagos State Commissioner of Police of orchestrating an invasion of both the State Assembly and his private residence in Agege on the day of his removal.

Obasa condemned what he described as a break from the Assembly’s traditions, citing past leadership changes, “When former Speaker Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the Assembly, and we did not invite policemen. When my sister, former Deputy Speaker Adefunmilayo Tejuosho was removed, we did not involve the police.”

Expressing gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) for their support, Obasa called for the protection of the Assembly’s reputation, “The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence. I believe in the image of our institution. We must not destroy it, and I will never partake in its destruction.”

Pro-Meranda Lawmakers Stand Their Ground

In response, Obasa’s opponents within the Assembly reiterated their loyalty to Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.

Former House Committee Chairman on Information and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, released a statement asserting the lawmakers’ united stance, “Over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. We stand by the decision taken on January 13 and shall defend our positions to the letter.”

The statement emphasized the lawmakers’ commitment to good governance and harmony with other arms of government.

Meanwhile, members of the GAC have reportedly advised Obasa to challenge his removal in court if he believes the impeachment process was flawed.

In a related development, one of the lawmakers who accompanied Obasa to a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu revealed to TheGuardian that the embattled Speaker failed to uphold their agreement with the President.

According to him, “The President did not fault the impeachment and as a democrat he wouldn’t do that. We were only told to allow Obasa to remove his belongings from the Speaker’s quarter at Isaac John Ikeja without putting him under any form of pressure.

“What Obasa did on Saturday by granting a press conference and also ranting about remaining the Speaker was contrary to what was expected of him.”