Tinubu backs Obasa to remain Lagos speaker, ends assembly crisis

Tinubu backs Obasa to remain Lagos speaker, ends assembly crisis

President Bola Tinubu has resolved the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa to continue as Speaker.

The decision came after a closed-door meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

The President’s stance goes against the advice of a panel led by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel. The panel, along with the Governance Advisory Council, had initially suggested that Obasa should step down after being reinstated.

Their recommendation was part of a political arrangement that first required Mojisola Meranda to resign as Speaker, allowing Obasa to return. The understanding was that Obasa would then step down shortly after, making way for a new Speaker from Lagos West to balance the state’s political structure.

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Recall that 49 days after his impeachment on March 3, 2025, Obasa was reinstated as Speaker following Meranda’s resignation and her re-election as Deputy Speaker. However, instead of stepping down as expected, he adjourned the Assembly indefinitely and refused to leave office.

Lawmakers had on Wednesday arrived at the Presidential Villa in a Coaster bus around 2 pm before being ushered into the President’s office. While Meranda arrived with her colleagues, Obasa arrived separately at about 3 pm.

A Presidency official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that Tinubu had urged all lawmakers to work together for the stability of the Assembly and Lagos State.

“Tinubu met the lawmakers behind closed doors. They spoke about their grievances, and the President has resolved the problems,” the source said.

“With this development, Obasa will remain Speaker. His position is no longer threatened, and all lawmakers have agreed to work with him. They even had a photo session with the President after the meeting. It went well.”

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  Despite Tinubu’s intervention, some stakeholders are reportedly unhappy that the original agreement was not followed. The source, however, assured that Tinubu would continue engaging all parties to maintain unity.

“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa did not follow through on the agreement with the Akande panel. But I’m sure the President will continue to engage everyone to settle the matter,” the source added.

A source close to Obasa revealed that Tinubu also directed him 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.

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 35 lawmakers, who accused him of high-handedness, financial mismanagement, and authoritarian leadership. Meranda was elected as Speaker but later resigned under pressure from party leaders.

Tinubu backs Obasa to remain Lagos speaker, ends assembly crisis