…Lawmakers express loyalty to Tinubu as Obasa, Meranda keep mum on meeting
By Sodiq Adelakun
President Bola Tinubu has successfully mediated the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, urging all 39 lawmakers to respect and work with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, following a turbulent two-month standoff.
The resolution of the conflict brings an end to a crisis that had threatened the stability of the Assembly and the governance of Lagos State.
NewsDirect reports the rift began on January 13, 2025, when Obasa was impeached by 35 out of the 40 lawmakers over allegations of financial mismanagement, high-handedness, and despotic leadership. Mojisola Meranda, who had served as his deputy, was immediately appointed as Speaker in his place.
However, political pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the state and national levels led to Meranda’s resignation on March 3, 2025.
Obasa was re-elected as Speaker, with Meranda returning to her former position as Deputy Speaker.
Recall that despite Obasa’s reinstatement on March 3, following intense political intervention by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Lagos State’s Governing Advisory Council (GAC), sources claimed that tensions continue to simmer among lawmakers.
On Wednesday afternoon, the 40-member House of Assembly met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where a truce was agreed upon. Sources close to the meeting indicate that Tinubu called for unity, emphasising the importance of putting the interests of Lagos State above personal ambitions.
He urged lawmakers to support Obasa’s leadership to ensure the progress of the Assembly and the state as a whole.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, is widely believed to be linked to the ongoing leadership crisis in the Assembly.
After the meeting, lawmakers were seen singing a popular political slogan, “On your mandate, we shall stand,” echoing their loyalty to President Tinubu.
The chanting continued for a few minutes as they made their way back to their buses, a sign of unity, despite the ongoing tensions within the Assembly.
However, Speaker Obasa, who had arrived separately for the meeting, declined to speak to the press when asked about the discussions.
He walked out of the meeting without making any comments, while some lawmakers, including House of Representatives member James Faleke, merely stated, “It went well,” when asked about the outcome.
Despite the resolution of the ongoing leadership crisis Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda remained silent, offering no comments to the press after the session.
According to one of those who attended the meeting, “everything has been resolved.”
Though, no official statement has been released yet.
Sources within the Assembly suggested that some lawmakers may have extended apologies to Obasa for his impeachment earlier this year, although this has not been confirmed.