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The intriguing power play behind Obasa’s resurrection

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

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

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Zulum Defends NAF Airstrike, Says Jilli Market Closed Five Years Ago

Published

10 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum

Zulum Defends NAF Airstrike, Says Jilli Market Closed Five Years Ago

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has defended the Nigerian military over a controversial airstrike in Jilli, insisting that the location widely described as a “market” had been shut down for years due to insurgency.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor said the Jilli market in Gubio Local Government Area—located along the Borno–Yobe border—was officially closed about five years ago as part of security measures to curb terrorist activities.

Zulum described Jilli as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics networks, stressing that it no longer functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market… Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor said.

He added that his administration is in active consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities to fully assess the situation and ensure proper coordination going forward.

The airstrike, carried out on April 11, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, reportedly targeted suspected terrorist positions in the area following intelligence reports and earlier operations in the corridor.

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However, initial reports indicated that over 50 people were feared killed, sparking concern over possible civilian casualties and raising questions about the nature of the target.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that the strike hit a location believed by locals to be a weekly trading point, triggering panic among residents as explosions rocked the area.

In response, Zulum emphasised that the Borno State Government maintains strict protocols before reopening markets or resettling communities affected by insurgency, noting that such decisions are made in close coordination with security agencies.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting civilians while supporting military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks across the North-East.

The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing credible intelligence that could aid ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

Military authorities have yet to release a detailed official report confirming casualty figures or clarifying the full circumstances of the strike.

Security analysts say the incident highlights the complex challenges of counterinsurgency warfare, where distinguishing between civilian activity and insurgent logistics hubs remains difficult, particularly in volatile border communities.

Despite the controversy, the Nigerian military has continued intensified operations across key areas in Borno and neighbouring states, targeting supply routes and strongholds used by extremist groups.

Zulum Defends NAF Airstrike, Says Jilli Market Closed Five Years Ago

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BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Published

11 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a 15-year-old suspect allegedly involved in the deadly attack that killed Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, another officer, and two soldiers in Borno State.

The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday in Ngamdu while reportedly on an errand to procure food supplies for members of his group.

In a video recorded after his arrest, the teenager confessed to being part of the armed group responsible for coordinated attacks in Benisheik and Ngamdu, areas that have witnessed renewed insurgent activity in recent months.

According to the suspect, the group operated from Jilli, a location described by military sources as a known logistics and movement hub for insurgents in the region. He said they moved from Jilli to carry out the attack and later returned to the same location.

Tijjani further disclosed that he had been sent with about ₦850,000 to collect logistics supplies from Ngamdu before his arrest. He added that he left his colleagues behind at Jilli and was unaware of subsequent developments following the operation.

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The late General Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, was killed on Thursday when suspected Boko Haram fighters launched an assault on a military base in the area. The attack also claimed the lives of another officer and two soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the North-East.

Military sources indicate that the arrest of the teenage suspect is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and cutting off their supply chains across Borno State.

Security analysts say the involvement of minors in insurgent activities highlights a disturbing pattern of recruitment by extremist groups, who often deploy young individuals for logistics, surveillance, and operational roles.

The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance and clearance operations across key corridors such as Jilli, Ngamdu, and Benisheik, following recent attacks, with the aim of preventing further assaults and restoring stability in the region.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the arrest, but security operations are expected to continue as efforts to track down other members of the group intensify.

The development comes amid renewed commitment by Operation HADIN KAI to sustain pressure on insurgents and disrupt their activities across the North-East.

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

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Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Published

12 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has suggested that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may issue an official query to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, following his absence at a recent high chiefs’ coronation ceremony in Ibadan.

The event, held at Mapo Hall, saw Governor Makinde present beaded crowns to three newly elevated traditional rulers as part of ongoing chieftaincy reforms in Ibadanland. However, the absence of the Olubadan from the April 3 ceremony has sparked public debate and political reactions.

Fayose, speaking on the development, claimed that the monarch’s absence—reportedly due to a prior engagement in Lagos—alongside other alleged concerns, could prompt a formal government query in the coming days. He did not provide official documentation but insisted the situation could escalate into a government–palace dispute if not carefully managed.

The Olubadan’s palace has already clarified that his absence was not due to any disagreement with the state government, dismissing speculation of a rift between the traditional institution and Governor Makinde’s administration.

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Some critics of the ceremony have also described the event as a “failed coronation,” alleging that the exercise may have cost over ₦1.5 billion, though no official financial breakdown has been released to confirm the claim.

At the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan-in-Council had issued an official response to Fayose’s latest comments or the circulating allegations.

The development comes against the backdrop of long-standing sensitivities in Ibadan chieftaincy politics, where traditional authority structures have often intersected with state governance and public debate.

Observers note that Fayose’s intervention adds a new political dimension to an already delicate issue, especially given his history of public disagreements with Governor Makinde during his tenure in Ekiti politics.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders calling for restraint and clarification to prevent further escalation between the state government and the traditional institution.