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.