Lagos Assembly Crisis: Youth Group Calls for Speedy Resolutions, Suggests Solutions

By Dansu Goldmark  Amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly, a prominent youth group within the All Progress...

By Dansu Goldmark 

Amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly, a prominent youth group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Progressive Youth Frontiers, has urged swift action to resolve the crisis. The group, in an open letter addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and lawmakers, emphasized the need for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption to the state's governance and political stability.

The dispute between Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has sparked concerns among political stakeholders. The youth group warned that if left unresolved, the conflict could tarnish Lagos State’s image and trigger instability similar to past legislative crises in Edo, Kogi, Imo, and Rivers states.

In their letter, the Progressive Youth Frontiers highlighted Lagos State’s reputation as a beacon of political excellence and expressed disappointment over the prolonged discord within the Assembly. They noted that legislative independence and democratic values must be upheld to maintain Lagos' status as Nigeria’s leading political and economic hub.

To restore order, the group proposed five key solutions:

1. Independent Review Panel – The establishment of a neutral body to investigate the allegations against Speaker Obasa and determine the legitimacy of his impeachment.
2. Mediation Between Obasa and Meranda – Encouraging dialogue between both parties to foster reconciliation and a peaceful resolution.
3. Security Assurance for Meranda – Ensuring the deputy speaker’s safety while promoting a calm legislative environment.
4. Equitable Power Distribution – The resignation of both Obasa and Meranda to allow the Speakership to shift to Lagos West Senatorial District, promoting balanced representation.
5. Legislative Cooperation – Encouraging Assembly members to embrace the idea of rotational leadership to ensure fair political inclusion.

The group stressed that Lagos must not follow the path of other states where legislative crises have resulted in prolonged instability. They urged party leaders and state authorities to act swiftly, warning that continued delay could lead to deeper divisions and public distrust.

"As the political and economic powerhouse of Nigeria, Lagos must set the right precedent," the statement read. "A swift and democratic resolution is necessary to maintain the stability and progress of our state."

The youth leaders also reminded stakeholders that Lagos has historically influenced national politics, making it imperative for this crisis to be handled with diplomacy and urgency. They called on Governor Sanwo-Olu and party leaders to heed their recommendations and prioritize peace within the Assembly.

With growing pressure from party faithful and concerned residents, all eyes are now on the Lagos State government and APC leadership to chart a path toward a lasting resolution.