Lagos, Nigeria – The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated as Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker, forcefully returned to office on February 27, declaring himself as the legitimate leader of the Assembly.
Obasa, who was removed from office on January 13 by a majority of lawmakers and replaced by Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, stormed the Assembly complex on Thursday morning. He arrived with a team of heavily armed police officers, State Security Service (SSS) operatives, and suspected thugs.
Upon entering the building, Obasa went straight to the Speaker’s office, ignoring other lawmakers gathered outside, discussing the deepening crisis.
“I’ve resumed and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa declared, insisting that his removal was unconstitutional.
Security Concerns and Political Intrigues
Obasa’s dramatic return happened just hours after the security details of Speaker Meranda were suddenly withdrawn, leaving her without official protection. This move has sparked fears about her safety and raised questions about who ordered the withdrawal of her security aides.
A source close to Meranda revealed that Obasa was not only accompanied by police personnel but also had thugs within his entourage, heightening concerns about possible violence.
“Yes, Obasa is presently at the complex with thugs and armed policemen. We are observing what he is doing. But all indications show that he wants to illegally reinstate himself,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the withdrawal of security from the Assembly complex itself has left lawmakers and staff feeling vulnerable, further deepening the crisis.
Legal and Political Battle Continues
This leadership tussle has taken a legal turn as well. Recently, the National Industrial Court in Lagos ruled to sack the Acting Clerk of the House, Ottun Babatunde, who was appointed by Speaker Meranda, and ordered the reinstatement of Olalekan Onafeko, who was the Clerk before Obasa’s impeachment.
Obasa had also challenged his impeachment in court, claiming that the process violated constitutional procedures. His legal team insists that the matter is still in court, and his sudden return could be seen as an illegal attempt to reclaim power before a final judgment is issued.
Who is Really in Charge?
As of now, the Lagos State House of Assembly remains divided, with lawmakers and the public uncertain about who holds legitimate power. Obasa’s bold move, combined with the withdrawal of Meranda’s security aides, has fueled speculation that powerful political figures may be influencing the situation behind the scenes.
With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, APC leadership, and President Bola Tinubu reportedly monitoring the crisis, the coming days will determine whether Obasa succeeds in his controversial return or if the Assembly will push back against his self-reinstatement.
For now, Lagos residents and political observers wait anxiously, as the state’s legislative arm faces one of its biggest crises in recent history.