APC reinstates impeached Lagos Speaker, Obasa, after causing Meranda’s resignation

By KEMI KASUMU

After a long hiding behind proxies, the will of the Abuja big masquerade finally came to fulfillment, on Monday, with the dramatic turn of events that saw Mr. Mudashiru Ajaiyi Obasa being reinstated as Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly.

This followed a meeting of him and his successor, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, with leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) who asked the status quo to be maintained despite the case by Obasa challenging his impeachment being in court him having alleged taken the law into his own hands by invading the House last week with heavily armed police operatives.

Obasa, who was removed on January 13, 2025 on serious allegations of corruption and abuse of office, was sworn in on Monday as Speaker of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly. The embattled former speaker’s reinstatement marks a significant shift in the Assembly’s leadership.

Obasa’s return was accompanied by a reshuffling of key positions. Mojisola Meranda, who briefly held the speakership, was reinstated as Deputy Speaker.

David Setonji returned to his role as Deputy Chief Whip, Richard Kasumu was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, Adewale Temitope assumed the position of Majority Leader, and Mojeed Fatai was named Chief Whip.

The reinstatement follows a period of intense political maneuvering, sparked by Obasa’s initial impeachment on allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

During his return speech, Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues and party leaders who intervened in the crisis, acknowledging their efforts in securing his reinstatement. He commended them for their assistance and for working to ensure his return to his position.

GAC Orders Obasa, Meranda to resign as speakers, new speaker to emerge Wednesday

In a decisive move to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has directed the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, and the removed Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to resign.

The council also resolved that a new Speaker would be chosen from Lagos West and announced on Wednesday.

This resolution follows a series of political upheavals in the Assembly. Last week, Obasa staged a return with four lawmakers to conduct a controversial plenary session, after suing his colleagues in court over his removal. The legal battle has since drawn in 35 lawmakers, who appeared at the Ikeja High Court for a hearing that has now been adjourned to March 7, 2025.

The GAC has since invited all involved lawmakers to present their grievances but criticized their failure to engage the party before taking drastic steps. “It is for the party to decide. The lawmakers have no absolute power to remove and install their leaders,” Olusi insisted.

According to Olusi, the following resolutions were reached at the GAC meeting yesterday (Saturday March 1):

Mojisola Meranda is to resign by tomorrow (Monday March 3).

Mudashiru Obasa is to return and resign as well.

Both resignation letters must reach the GAC by Wednesday (March 5).

The GAC will announce a new Speaker from Lagos West on Wednesday.

Olusi downplayed reports of divisions within the GAC, stating that dissenting views from some members did not represent the council’s official position. He assured that the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms were in place and urged patience as the crisis is being managed.

“This issue will be resolved very soon. Disputes and differences are part of life, but we have established ways to settle them within the party,” Olusi assured.

With both Obasa and Meranda expected to step down in the coming days, all eyes are now on the GAC’s next move as Lagos navigates its latest political drama.