President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the leadership dispute within the Lagos State House of Assembly, backing Mudashiru Obasa to remain Speaker. This decision contradicts an earlier recommendation by a mediation panel that advised Obasa to step down.
The resolution followed a meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The meeting was aimed at resolving tensions after Obasa’s controversial reinstatement. Despite initial agreements that Obasa would resign shortly after being reinstated, he instead adjourned the Assembly indefinitely and refused to step down.
The mediation panel, led by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, had previously recommended that Mojisola Meranda resign as Speaker to allow Obasa to return. Under the agreement, Obasa was expected to leave office soon after, making way for a new Speaker from Lagos West to ensure a balanced political structure.
On March 3, 2025, 49 days after Obasa was impeached, Meranda resigned and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was reinstated as Speaker as planned. However, rather than stepping down as agreed, he maintained his position, causing dissatisfaction among some political stakeholders.
Obasa was originally removed from office on January 13, 2025, by 35 lawmakers who accused him of financial misconduct, high-handedness, and authoritarian leadership. His impeachment led to Meranda’s appointment as Speaker, but she later resigned under pressure from party leaders.
On Wednesday, the lawmakers arrived at the Presidential Villa in a Coaster bus around 2 p.m. Security officials ushered them into the President’s office complex, where they met with Tinubu. Meranda arrived with her colleagues, while Obasa arrived separately at about 3 p.m.
The meeting was held behind closed doors. A Presidency official, speaking anonymously, noted that Tinubu urged the lawmakers to work together for the stability of the Assembly and the state.
“Tinubu met the lawmakers behind closed doors. They spoke on their grievances, and the President has resolved the problems.
“With the development, Obasa will stay as Speaker. His position is no longer threatened. All the lawmakers have agreed to work with him.
“They all had a photo session with the President after the meeting. It went well,” the source said.
While some Lagos stakeholders are unhappy that the original agreement was not followed, the source noted that Tinubu would continue discussions to ensure unity among all parties.
“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel. I’m sure the President would engage everyone to settle the matter,” the source added.
Another source close to Obasa revealed that Tinubu directed the Speaker to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.
“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and Obasa should also withdraw the case against Meranda and the lawmakers in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this,” the source said.
On Tuesday, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), told The PUNCH that the Speaker had not withdrawn his lawsuit despite being reinstated.
He stated, “Because there are some issues that are still pending within the context of the notice of allegation. The case of allegation contains reasons for the impeachment which include high-handedness, fraudulent malpractices, and the rest, and we feel that those issues must be trashed out.”
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has scheduled the next hearing for March 17, 2025.
