By Divine Sam
The Lagos State House of Assembly is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025.
Obasa was removed from office by 36 out of 40 lawmakers over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Subsequently, Mojisola Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker, marking the first time a female has held this position in the state’s history.
Upon his return from the United States, Obasa rejected his removal, citing constitutional irregularities and asserting that due process was not followed during his impeachment. He maintained that he remains the legitimate Speaker until proper procedures are observed.
The situation escalated on February 27, 2025, when Obasa, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, forcefully entered the Assembly complex and declared himself as the Speaker. This move led to confusion and heightened tensions within the Assembly, especially in the absence of Speaker Meranda, whose security details were reportedly withdrawn earlier that day but later restored.
Efforts to mediate the crisis by prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures, including former governors Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, have so far been unsuccessful. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) had recommended that both Obasa and Meranda step down to allow for the emergence of a new Speaker from the Lagos West Senatorial District, but this proposal has not been implemented.
As of now, the Assembly remains divided, with factions supporting both Obasa and Meranda. The ongoing power tussle has raised concerns about the legislative body’s stability and effectiveness in performing its duties.
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