Lagos Assembly Crisis: Presidency Disbands Akande-led Committee, Insists It's Obasa or Nobody, Begins Fresh Moves

By Dansu Peter  In a dramatic turn of events, the Presidency has reportedly taken decisive action to reinstate former Speaker of the Lagos S...

By Dansu Peter 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Presidency has reportedly taken decisive action to reinstate former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as the only acceptable leader of the legislative body. The crisis, which erupted following Obasa’s ouster by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, and the subsequent election of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, has now drawn direct intervention from the highest levels of power.  

According to Vanguard, sources confirm that the Bisi Akande-led committee, initially tasked with resolving the leadership dispute, has been abruptly disbanded after submitting findings that allegedly favored the anti-Obasa faction. The move signals a clear directive from the Presidency—Obasa must return, and all efforts should be geared towards making that happen.  

Insiders reveal that the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has been instructed to rally behind Obasa. Political heavyweights with influence over lawmakers and members of the State Executive Council have been mandated to ensure his reinstatement.  

A reliable source disclosed: 

"The President has personally reached out to GAC members, urging them to pressure their loyalists in the Assembly to support Obasa. Those with political ties in the executive arm have also been enlisted to facilitate his return.” 

Meanwhile, Obasa himself has intensified efforts to win over dissenting lawmakers, engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations to reclaim his position.  

Despite the pressure from the Presidency, the pro-Meranda faction remains defiant. With both sides refusing to back down, sources indicate that the crisis may ultimately be settled in court.  

Vanguard report that one insider explained:  

"The President is unwavering in his stance, but Meranda’s camp is equally resolute. If political maneuvers fail, the judiciary will have to determine the rightful Speaker—a process that could drag through multiple court levels.”

Obasa has already initiated legal action against Meranda and 36 lawmakers, challenging what he calls his "unlawful removal." The case, currently before Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos High Court, is set for a crucial hearing on March 7.  

As tensions escalate, the Assembly leadership has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely to prevent further chaos. In an official memo, Acting Clerk Babatunde Abubakar cited security concerns as the reason for the directive.  

The situation remains fluid, with political maneuvering intensifying behind closed doors. However, one thing is now certain—the Presidency has made its position clear: it’s Obasa or nobody.