President Bola Tinubu has brokered peace in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa to remain as Speaker despite earlier political arrangements calling for his resignation.
The resolution came after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, where Tinubu met with all 40 lawmakers to address the leadership tussle.
“The President has settled the crisis. All grievances were aired, and a consensus was reached. Obasa remains Speaker, and lawmakers have agreed to work together,” a Presidency source disclosed.
Tinubu Overrules Akande Panel’s Recommendation
Tinubu’s decision contradicts the advice of a panel led by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel. The panel, along with the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, had earlier recommended that Obasa step down after his reinstatement.
Their proposed arrangement involved Mojisola Meranda resigning as Speaker—after briefly replacing Obasa—so he could return. The plan was for Obasa to step aside shortly after, allowing a new Speaker from Lagos West to balance the state’s political structure.
However, after Meranda resigned and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker, Obasa defied expectations by indefinitely adjourning the Assembly and refusing to leave office.
Tinubu Calls for Unity Among Lawmakers
Lawmakers arrived at the Presidential Villa around 2 p.m. on Wednesday in a Coaster bus, while Obasa arrived separately an hour later. Inside the Villa, Tinubu urged them to set aside differences for the stability of Lagos State.
“The President wants all lawmakers to focus on governance, not personal disputes. The matter is resolved, and there’s no more threat to Obasa’s leadership,” a source familiar with the meeting revealed.
A photo session followed the meeting, signaling unity among the lawmakers. However, some political stakeholders remain dissatisfied with the outcome.
“There are still concerns that Obasa did not honor the initial agreement. But Tinubu is committed to ongoing engagement to maintain harmony within the Assembly,” the source added.
Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit Against Lawmakers
In a further show of reconciliation, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his court case challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.
“The President instructed Obasa to drop his lawsuit against Meranda and the lawmakers. Both sides have agreed to move forward,” a source close to Obasa confirmed.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 35 lawmakers who accused him of high-handedness, financial mismanagement, and authoritarian leadership. However, following intense political maneuvering, he was reinstated 49 days later.
Despite Tinubu’s intervention, political observers believe tensions may still linger within the Assembly. However, for now, the crisis appears to have been defused, with Obasa firmly back in control.
