The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly may soon come to an end, following the intervention of top figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ongoing dispute, which has shaken the Assembly since January, has led to calls for both Speaker Mojisola Meranda and impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to step aside, paving the way for a new leader.
The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa as Speaker and replaced him with Meranda, who was the Deputy Speaker at the time. The lawmakers accused Obasa of mismanagement, frequent absenteeism, intimidation of colleagues, and other misconduct.
However, Obasa, who was in the United States at the time of his impeachment, has rejected his removal and insists he is still the rightful Speaker.
In a bid to resolve the conflict, a team of APC leaders, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, was sent by President Bola Tinubu to mediate.
The party leaders met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina on Sunday.
Reports indicate that the meeting lasted until the evening, with discussions aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution.
A GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, noted that the APC leaders are considering selecting a new Speaker from Lagos West. “The issue will die down soon. Between now and the middle of next week, everything will become clearer,” he said. According to him, seven ranking lawmakers from Lagos West have been shortlisted, and their names will be submitted to President Tinubu for final approval.
Taiwo further noted, “The House operates on a seniority system. If you have spent two years in the House, you are qualified to hold a leadership position over a first-term lawmaker.” He added that the selection process is being carefully handled to ensure a fair decision.
One of the lawmakers being considered for the role is David Setonji, who represents Badagry Constituency II. Setonji, a seasoned legislator, has been in the House since 2015 and currently serves as the Chief Whip. Sources within the APC have noted that Setonji stands out due to his experience and leadership within the House.
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing negotiations, there are indications that Obasa may withdraw the lawsuit he filed against the Assembly and Speaker Meranda. Obasa had challenged his removal in a Lagos State High Court, arguing that the lawmakers acted improperly by impeaching him while the House was in recess. However, with political solutions being prioritized, party leaders believe that dropping the legal case will help restore stability.
A senior APC official familiar with the matter noted that both Obasa and Meranda are expected to step down. “Meranda will step down, and Obasa will also step down. They will now pick someone else from Lagos West,” he said. He further noted that most lawmakers are already in agreement with this arrangement.
The official added, “Those who opposed Obasa feel they have already won because he will no longer be Speaker. Meranda, on the other hand, did not originally seek the position and is open to stepping aside for the sake of peace.”
In response to the ongoing mediation efforts, the Chairman of GAC, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, confirmed that the party is actively working to settle the dispute. “The party is mediating. At the appropriate time, we shall tell you the conclusion of the mediating panel,” he stated.
