The political tension in Lagos State intensified on Saturday as the recently impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, rejected his removal from office, claiming it was unconstitutional.
With Obasa’s defiance, the State Assembly now faces a contentious leadership battle, as two individuals—Obasa and Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda—lay claim to the Speakership.
Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, was removed on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of the 40 members of the Assembly. The lawmakers accused him of misconduct and other offenses, leading to what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly described as a “coup.”
Obasa, who was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2007 and became Speaker in 2015, has served in the position for nearly a decade. His impeachment marks a significant moment in Lagos State politics.
In his place, Mojisola Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female Speaker in the South-West region. Meranda has since sought to consolidate her position by engaging key stakeholders, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, President Tinubu, and members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Addressing his supporters upon his return to Lagos on Saturday, Obasa declared that his impeachment was invalid, asserting that due process had not been followed.
“To impeach a Speaker, the Constitution must be followed,” Obasa stated. He argued that during his tenure, all impeachment actions against past Assembly leaders, including former Speaker Jokotade Pelumi and Deputy Speaker Funmi Tejuosho, adhered to constitutional processes.
Obasa accused the lawmakers of using a fake mace to carry out his impeachment, questioning the legitimacy of the entire process.
“I served as Speaker for 10 years. If I am no longer wanted, so be it, it is Allah’s will. But you cannot impeach a Speaker with a fake mace,” he said.
Obasa also addressed rumors about his alleged 2027 governorship ambition, denying claims that he had approached any political leader in Lagos State about succeeding Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“In the entire Lagos State, let any leader come forward to claim that I approached them about wanting to be governor. These are baseless allegations meant to discredit me,” he declared.
The embattled lawmaker expressed deep concern about preserving the integrity of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“The Assembly is an institution of excellence. We must protect its image and avoid tarnishing its reputation. I will not be part of its destruction,” he emphasized.
Obasa further extended his gratitude to key political figures, including President Tinubu, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and members of the GAC. He acknowledged Tinubu’s mentorship, recalling their association dating back to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era.
The unfolding leadership crisis threatens to disrupt the legislative functions of the Lagos Assembly and poses a significant test for political stability in the state. With both Obasa and Meranda staking claims to the Speakership, the situation may require intervention from the Presidency or other high-level political actors to resolve the impasse.
As the battle for control continues, all eyes remain on Lagos to see how this political drama will unfold and what impact it might have on the state’s governance.