By Dansu Peter The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly took another turn on Tuesday as reinstated Speaker Mudashiru Obasa reportedl...
By Dansu Peter
The meeting, initially expected to foster reconciliation after the leadership turmoil that saw Obasa reinstated on Monday, instead left many lawmakers fuming. Sources at the gathering revealed that Obasa’s attitude mirrored the same grievances that led to his initial removal, reinforcing fears that his return might not bring the stability the House desperately needs, report by Punch detailed
A legislator who attended the meeting, speaking anonymously, described how Obasa kept his colleagues waiting for over an hour beyond the scheduled 1 p.m. time, only to proceed without offering an apology.
“History repeated itself. This was one of the reasons he was removed in the first place,” the lawmaker said. “When he finally arrived, he merely acknowledged our bitterness but did not offer any meaningful reconciliation. None of us even contributed during the meeting.”
Another lawmaker disclosed that the meeting’s primary agenda was to brief members on the legal case brought against them by the suspended Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko. The source expressed concerns over Obasa’s decision to involve the Department of State Services (DSS), which had led to the arrest of some lawmakers.
Despite Obasa’s return, several lawmakers insist that his reinstatement was purely out of respect for APC leaders like former governors Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, rather than genuine support for his leadership.
“In our hearts and souls, we do not want him, even up till this moment,” a lawmaker stated, adding that tensions in the House remain high and governance may suffer as a result.
Further fueling the discord, Obasa is reportedly pushing for the return of Onafeko as Clerk of the House—an idea that many lawmakers strongly oppose.
“Some members are beginning to shift ground, but most of us are still firm in our stance against his return,” a source from Obasa’s camp revealed.
Onafeko, who was suspended on January 13—the same day Obasa was removed—has taken legal action against his replacement, Ottun Babatunde, and the Assembly at the National Industrial Court. However, Babatunde acted as Clerk during Monday’s plenary session that saw Obasa reinstated.
While Onafeko has expressed willingness to consider a political resolution, he remains firm on his legal battle.
“Sometimes, you manage the situation for peace and the integrity of the institution. But I trust the House will do the right thing,” Onafeko said.
Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), could not be reached for comments on whether the Speaker would withdraw his suit against the Assembly.
With divisions deepening, the future of the Lagos State House of Assembly remains uncertain, as many lawmakers question whether Obasa’s leadership will bring unity or further crisis.
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