In a dramatic turn of events, Mudashiru Obasa has been reinstated as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, bringing an end to weeks of internal strife that had paralyzed the state’s legislature.
The announcement came on Monday, 3 March, 2025, during a plenary session at the Assembly chamber in Ikeja, following the resignation of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who had briefly held the position of Speaker since Obasa’s impeachment on 13 January, 2025.
Obasa’s return marks the resolution of a contentious leadership crisis that saw 32 of the Assembly’s 40 lawmakers vote to remove him nearly two months ago, citing allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Meranda, the Assembly’s first female Speaker, was elected in his place, but her tenure was marred by political maneuvering and legal battles.
On 14 February, Obasa filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court, challenging the constitutionality of his removal and arguing that the session leading to his impeachment violated legislative rules and the 1999 Constitution.
Tensions escalated when Obasa, backed by heavy security, stormed the Assembly on 27 February and presided over a controversial plenary with only four lawmakers, insisting he remained the rightful Speaker.
This move was rejected by the majority of lawmakers, who rallied behind Meranda. However, pressure from political heavyweights within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) reportedly paved the way for Monday’s compromise.
During the plenary, Meranda announced her resignation, stating that it was to “protect the integrity of the Assembly,” and was subsequently nominated as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was then unanimously returned as Speaker.
Lawmakers praised Meranda’s brief leadership, noting her efforts to maintain stability.
The resolution ends a divisive chapter, though it underscores the deep political fault lines within Lagos’ ruling party as attention shifts to governance ahead of future elections.
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