The leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated, with both Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda laying claim to the position of Speaker. The crisis, which began with Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025, has divided the legislative arm.
Thirty-three lawmakers voted to remove Obasa, citing abuse of office, financial misappropriation, and misconduct, and declared Meranda as the new Speaker. However, Obasa rejected the decision, insisting due process was not followed.
Efforts by key APC chieftains, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, to mediate in the matter have so far yielded no results. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in the state has also failed to resolve the crisis.
On February 29, Obasa returned to the Assembly complex accompanied by security officials, sparking confusion. His entry came hours after police escorts attached to Meranda were withdrawn. The Lagos State Police Command later explained that the withdrawal was part of a routine personnel audit and confirmed that Meranda’s security details were restored.
Obasa maintains he remains the Speaker, despite 35 lawmakers rejecting his return. Meanwhile, Meranda continues to hold plenary sessions, signing official communications as the Speaker.
The crisis extends to the Clerk of the House, with two individuals, Ottun Babatunde and Olalekan Onafeko, laying claim to the position. Onafeko, suspended alongside Obasa, secured a court order reinstating him, but Babatunde insists he remains the legitimate Clerk.
With both the speakership and clerkship in dispute, the House remains in turmoil as the party struggles to find a resolution.
