metro
The intriguing power play behind Obasa’s resurrection
The intriguing power play behind Obasa’s resurrection
32 distraught and disgruntled lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly may never have envisaged that Mudashairu Obasa whom they removed on the 13th day of January, 2025, would ever make a comeback. If the 13th January event was a burial for Obasa, his reinstatement on the 3rd of March was a resurrection; a triumphal re-entry.
When his “sins” were recounted by his colleagues and keen watchers of the events at the Assembly, it was easy to think that the political grave of Obasa had been dug, his tombstone constructed and a conspicuous epitaph etched on it.
The said sins included his alleged disrespect for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; his alleged allocation of N17 billion to construct a special gate; the alleged spending of N200 million being spent on a thanksgiving event that never took place; the alleged move by him to abrogate the 37 Local Council Development Areas, and general high-handedness.
Although Obasa claimed his removal did not follow the laid down rules, his embattled colleagues told him to tell that to the marines while insisting on their support for Mojisola Meranda the former Deputy Speaker whom they had elected to replace him.
But signs that some of the gods that control Lagos politics, were uncomfortable with the development, emerged when a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Anthony Adefuye, in an interview, sided with Obasa. Adefuye had said, “What he’s (Obasa is ) saying is that he was illegally removed and the procedure was faulty and I agree with him.”
However, there were others who seemed to have favoured the actions of the lawmakers who removed Obasa. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former federal minister and also a member of the GAC, took Adefuye up on his comment.
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He said, “The statement of Senator Adefuye on the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, is very unfortunate, childish and inconsequential.”
“Senator Adefuye’s comment shouldn’t have come up. As leaders, if there are serious issues of this magnitude, rushing to make press statements or personal statements on such issues is unbecoming.”
While powerful stakeholders understood the reasons for Obasa’s removal, they were uncomfortable that there were no “proper consultations” before his colleagues ousted him.
President Bola Tinubu, it was learnt, was particularly miffed over the development. Although some of the excesses of Obasa had been reported to him by some political bigwigs in Lagos, he was caught off-guard over his removal. While it is true that he had reportedly reprimanded Obasa for his alleged dishonour of Sanwo-Olu, he did not expect that his political godson would be so disgraced out of the office.
As Obasa took to going to court to invalidate his removal, a high powered committee was set up by Tinubu to resolve the crisis. The committee which was led by former Osun State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Bisi Akande, had former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, former APC National Vice Chairman, South-West, Pius Akinyelure, and others as members.
While Tinubu reportedly wanted Obasa back, majority of the Lagos lawmakers stood their ground, vowing there was no going back on their decision. However, they could not sustain their position as they bowed to the wish of the President and other political strongmen who wanted a return to the status quo.
At the plenary which held on Monday March 3rd, Meranda and her deputy, Mojeed Fatai resigned their positions, and were thereafter elected Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip respectively. This paved the way for Obasa to be nominated and re-reinstated as the Speaker.
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While giving her resignation speech, Meranda in an emotion-laden voice, said she was leaving her position as a personal sacrifice “towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly.”
She said, “I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House.
“As good people of Lagos, our mandate is to protect the good people of Lagos State and ensure good governance.
“I feel that I have demonstrated leadership and selfless sacrifice by resigning in order to protect these resources that we have suffered to build. With your unwavering support, I take this step to step down as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“I cherish the solidarity that I have enjoyed and that has been given to me by my honorable members. I do not leave out the management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly. I want to thank you for your support and collaboration.
“As short as it is, this is a memorable event. I need you to permit me to resign as the Rt. Honorable Speaker, and I shall continue to serve my good people of Apapa Constituency 1 in particular and the entire Lagos State in general.
“Thank you for finding me worthy to lead this distinguished and honourable Assembly. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.
“Accordingly, I have agreed to yet again make a personal sacrifice by stepping down as the Speaker of this great Assembly.
“Dear distinguished and gallant honourable members of this 10th Assembly, occasionally, we are confronted by overwhelming challenges and conflicts, but as responsible leaders, we must not break down the legislative House that we collectively built in pursuit of justice and fairness.
“For those who have been unfairly referred to for standing on the side of fair play, kindly take note that there will always be an opportunity to right any wrong.
“I appreciate the spectrum of solidarity that I received through phone calls, messages, and visits throughout my short tenure.
“I sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, just as we know that party decisions are supreme.
“At this point, I take a bow as your Speaker, and I step down as your Speaker for this great House.”
Obasa on his own part after he had been sworn-in again, said it was not time for speech making but appreciated “our colleagues who have put a lot into this gathering today” as well as party leaders who played a role at resolving the crisis.
The intriguing power play behind Obasa’s resurrection
Source: PM News
metro
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that he was suspended from the international broadcaster, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
The rumour, which gained traction across social media platforms, claimed that Oseni had been suspended from Arise News following an alleged disagreement with a senior colleague. However, the journalist debunked the claim in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, where he described the report as “APC propaganda.”
“Rufai Oseni suspended by ARISE News? Lies, APC Propaganda,” he wrote, rejecting the viral narrative.
Providing clarity on his absence from the popular breakfast programme, Oseni explained that he is currently in Berlin, Germany, attending a series of international conferences and professional engagements.
He further disclosed that he is scheduled to appear at the Bundestag, also known as the German Parliament, located in the historic Reichstag building, where he is expected to participate in discussions and engagements.
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Oseni noted that his trip is aimed at gaining insights and experiences that could be beneficial to Nigeria, particularly in governance and institutional development.
The suspension rumour was reportedly linked to a social media post attributed to High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro, which alleged that the broadcaster had a confrontation at the station, including claims that he banged his fist on a table during a disagreement.
However, there has been no official statement from ARISE News confirming any disciplinary action against Oseni, further reinforcing his position that the report is unfounded.
Industry observers note that similar rumours have surfaced in the past, often coinciding with Oseni’s temporary absence from television broadcasts due to travel or official engagements.
Known for his fiery and assertive interviewing style, Oseni has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken television journalists, frequently engaging political figures and public office holders in robust debates.
His approach has earned him both praise and criticism, making him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s media and political discourse.
Despite the controversy, Oseni remains part of the core three-man anchor team of The Morning Show, one of the flagship programmes on ARISE News.
The latest clarification is expected to quell speculation, as the broadcaster continues his international engagements with plans to return to Nigeria after completing his scheduled appearances.
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
metro
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
Tension erupted on Wednesday in Osogbo as protesters stormed the Osun State High Court over the ongoing dispute involving Osun State local government funds and alleged non-compliance with court rulings on the release and control of allocations.
The demonstrators, who marched from the Government House axis to the court premises at Lameco, demanded strict adherence to judicial pronouncements amid rising concerns over governance and legal authority in the Osun LG funds crisis.
The protest is linked to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations that a commercial bank released funds allegedly used in the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen. The Osun State Government had initiated proceedings at the Magistrate Court over the matter.
However, the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier issued an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.
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Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings were reportedly allowed to continue at the Magistrate Court, a development that triggered fresh protests by reinstated local government officials and their supporters.
Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for respect for court judgments, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of judicial integrity, the protesters accused relevant actors of disregarding valid court decisions.
Security operatives were deployed across the court premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as the demonstration unfolded.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing reinstated council executives, warned that continued legal actions against bank officials despite higher court rulings could escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.
He also disclosed that the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial compliance and institutional integrity.
“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.
Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olayanju Kolapo, also weighed in, stating that aspects of the dispute had already been addressed by earlier rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in December 2025.
He cautioned that continued disregard for court decisions could heighten political tensions and destabilise local government administration in Osun State.
The dispute over Osun local government allocations has continued to generate legal confrontations, competing interpretations of court orders, and political tension across council areas in the state.
Authorities are yet to issue an official response to Wednesday’s protest, but security presence around the High Court remained heavy throughout the demonstration.
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
metro
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of successful candidates for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025 selection board, marking the next phase of its ongoing NAF recruitment exercise for new airmen and airwomen.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the shortlist comprises candidates who passed the Zonal General Aptitude Test conducted across 15 Nigerian Air Force bases on December 5, 2025.
The Air Force said only candidates whose names appear on the official recruitment portal have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the process.
Kaduna Selection Interview Begins April 27
NAF confirmed that all shortlisted candidates are invited for the Selection Board Interview for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/Women, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.
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The interview will run from April 27 to June 13, 2026, and candidates must report strictly according to their assigned batch schedules as published on the official portal.
The Air Force warned that failure to report on the specified dates will result in automatic disqualification from the recruitment process.
How to Check NAF BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist
Candidates are advised to visit the official NAF recruitment portal at https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates/ to:
- Confirm their inclusion on the BMTC 46/2025 shortlist
- Check their assigned interview batches
- Access official instructions for the next stage
NAF stressed that only information published on its official platform should be trusted.
NAF Warns Against Recruitment Fraud
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that the entire NAF recruitment process is free of charge, warning applicants not to pay money to individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance.
It urged candidates to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to recruitment scams.
About BMTC Recruitment
The Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) is the entry-level training programme for recruits into the Nigerian Air Force, designed to prepare successful candidates for military service as airmen and airwomen.
The ongoing BMTC 46/2025 recruitment exercise follows a structured process including online application, aptitude testing, and final selection interviews before enlistment.
Final Phase of Screening Begins
With the release of the shortlist, the recruitment exercise has entered its final phase, where candidates will undergo verification and interviews before final selection into the Force.
NAF urged all applicants to strictly follow official guidelines to avoid disqualification and ensure smooth participation in the selection process.
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
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