The Lagos State House of Assembly is currently embroiled in a deepening crisis, with two individuals, Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda, claiming the Speakership. This turmoil began on January 13, 2025, when 33 lawmakers removed Obasa as Speaker, citing abuse of office, financial misappropriations, and misconduct. Meranda, a former Deputy Speaker, was subsequently declared Speaker.
Despite interventions from key APC chieftains, including former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, the crisis persists. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State has also been unable to resolve the issue, with some members believing only President Bola Tinubu can intervene effectively.
The situation took a surprising turn when Obasa returned to the assembly complex, accompanied by security officials, and entered the Speaker’s Office. This move was met with shock, and Meranda’s security escorts were withdrawn by the Lagos State Police Command.
The police command later clarified that the withdrawal was due to a personnel audit, and Meranda’s security details were reinstated. Obasa had also requested security protection due to alleged threats to his life.
The Assembly now has two clerks, Ottun Babatunde and the suspended Olalekan Onafeko, each asserting authority. Onafeko was suspended by the House on January 13 and replaced by Babatunde. However, Onafeko obtained a court order restraining the defendants from parading Babatunde as the clerk.
The crisis has led to a stalemate, with neither side willing to back down. The GAC Chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, stated that the lawmakers had no absolute power to remove or install leaders without consulting the party. The matter is still unresolved, with the court set to hear Obasa’s removal suit on March 7.
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