The ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has made a dramatic return to power, declaring that he has resumed his position as Speaker despite his earlier removal on January 13.
Obasa made the bold statement on Thursday, after arriving at the Assembly complex with a heavy presence of police and State Security Service (SSS) operatives, marking his first visit since his ouster.
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa announced, shortly after entering the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon.
Security Withdrawal Sparks Tension
His return follows the sudden withdrawal of security aides from the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, deepening the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly.
Obasa was removed after over 90% of lawmakers accused him of:
- Poor leadership style and chronic lateness to plenary sessions
- High-handedness and disregard for lawmakers and the executive
- Abuse of office and privileges
- Intimidation and oppression of Assembly members
APC Leaders Seek Resolution
Amid the political turmoil, All Progressives Congress (APC) heavyweights, including Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, intervened last weekend following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to resolve the crisis.
Reports indicate that a compromise deal may result in both Obasa and Meranda stepping aside, paving the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West.
Next Steps in the Power Struggle
With Obasa’s forceful reappearance, the battle for control of the Lagos Assembly has intensified, raising questions over whether the APC’s reconciliation efforts will hold or if the crisis will further escalate.
