Lagos Assembly Crisis : Power Struggle Between Obasa and Meranda Deepens (Full Analysis)
The Lagos State House of Assembly has been engulfed in a prolonged political crisis following the impeachment of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the subsequent emergence of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. The power tussle, which has seen lawsuits, police intervention, and factional legislative meetings, has kept Lagosians and political observers on edge.
Obasa’s Removal and Meranda’s Emergence
The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was impeached by a majority of lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly. His impeachment was reportedly due to allegations of misconduct and loss of confidence by his fellow legislators. Following his removal, the lawmakers elected Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker.
Despite his ouster, Obasa remained defiant, declaring to his supporters at his residence that he was still the legitimate Speaker of the House. His claim intensified the political standoff, prompting him to file a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenging his impeachment and the emergence of Meranda as Speaker.
Obasa’s Return and Self-Proclaimed Speakership
In a dramatic turn of events, Obasa forcefully returned to the Assembly Complex, claiming he had never been impeached. He proceeded to hold a legislative session with just four lawmakers, a move widely criticized as illegitimate, as it fell short of the House quorum requirement.
His attempt to reclaim authority was swiftly rejected by 35 other lawmakers, who dismissed his gathering as a “comedy show.” They reaffirmed their support for Meranda as the legitimate Speaker.
Legal Battles and Conflicting Claims
As Obasa continued his push to reclaim power, he appeared on Channels TV, claiming that Meranda had agreed to step down during a peace meeting. However, this assertion was contradicted by the majority of lawmakers and Speaker Meranda herself.
Further complicating the situation, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, withdrew all police security attached to Speaker Meranda, raising concerns about her safety. While the CP later announced that the security details had been restored, Meranda clarified that her full security detail was yet to be reinstated, stating she had only four officers instead of the usual twelve.
The Judiciary Steps In
The power struggle took a legal turn when all 35 lawmakers appeared in court for the case filed by Obasa against the House of Assembly. After the court session, the lawmakers addressed the press, debunking Obasa’s public denial of any court case. They confirmed that they were in court to respond to the lawsuit he filed against them, further affirming Meranda as the legitimate Speaker.
GAC Disowns Obasa, Reaffirms Meranda
The Governors Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body in Lagos APC politics, distanced itself from Obasa’s impeachment. GAC Chairman Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi stated that the council had no involvement in his removal, emphasizing that the crisis was strictly between Obasa and his fellow lawmakers. According to him, the Assembly exercised its constitutional powers by electing Meranda as the new Speaker.
Critical Analysis: What Lies Ahead?
The unfolding crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly highlights the power struggles, political maneuvering, and institutional conflicts that often characterize Nigerian politics. A few key takeaways stand out:
Obasa’s Persistent Defiance: Despite being removed by his colleagues, Obasa’s repeated attempts to reclaim the speakership suggest he still enjoys some level of political backing, albeit not from the majority in the Assembly.
Meranda’s Challenges: As the new Speaker, Meranda faces significant resistance from Obasa and his loyalists, and the withdrawal of her security details underscores the potential risks surrounding her leadership.
Police and Judiciary Involvement: The role of the Lagos State Police Command and the court proceedings will be crucial in determining how the crisis unfolds. The conflicting statements between the police and Meranda indicate a lack of clear authority in enforcing legislative security.
GAC’s Position: With the GAC officially stating that it had no role in Obasa’s removal, the former Speaker’s hopes of using external political influence to return to power may be fading.
Future Political Implications: The current crisis may shape future political alignments in Lagos politics, as lawmakers and party leaders navigate the fallout. If Obasa continues his defiance, it could set a precedent for prolonged power struggles within the state legislature.
Judiciary’s Final Decision: The court’s ruling on Obasa’s lawsuit will be pivotal. If the court upholds his impeachment, it may finally put an end to his attempts to reclaim power. However, if the ruling favors him, Lagos may witness another round of political tension.
The Role of APC Leadership: The APC’s national leadership may eventually step in to mediate, as continued unrest in Lagos could impact the party’s unity and governance effectiveness in the state.
Finally, The Lagos Assembly crisis remains a major political battle with far-reaching implications. While Speaker Meranda continues to receive support from the majority of lawmakers, Obasa’s refusal to accept his impeachment raises concerns about political stability in the state legislature.
As the legal and political drama unfolds, our heritage Reporters will continue to provide exclusive updates and in-depth analysis on the crisis.
