By Dansu Peter A fresh crisis has erupted in the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has reportedly ordered 39 lawmak...
By Dansu Peter
According to Peoples Gazette, it was learned that Obasa is livid over Meranda’s decision to approve the withdrawal of ₦5 billion from the Assembly’s account for the purchase of the vehicles just days after she replaced him as Speaker in January. Sources familiar with the matter say the vehicles were acquired immediately after Meranda was sworn in as Lagos’ first female Speaker on January 13, following Obasa’s short-lived impeachment.
“Obasa is furious that Meranda wasted no time in withdrawing ₦5 billion to buy 40 units of 2025 Toyota Land Cruisers for lawmakers after she took over as Speaker,” a source disclosed. “He is demanding that the money be returned immediately.”
Obasa, who had already planned to procure vehicles before his removal, was reinstated as Speaker on March 3 following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. Upon his return, he swiftly began pressuring Meranda to reverse the vehicle purchase, insisting she had no authority to approve such a withdrawal.
Sources according to PG further revealed that before his impeachment, Obasa had planned to spend ₦7 billion on 45 units of Toyota Fortuner SUVs—40 for lawmakers, one for the House Clerk, and four for himself and his two wives. However, Meranda’s decision to authorize the Land Cruiser purchase has completely derailed his plans.
“Obasa had already set aside ₦7 billion to buy 45 Toyota Fortuners, ensuring he got four for himself and his family,” the source continued. “Now, because of Meranda’s actions, he is unable to execute his own plans, so he is demanding the immediate return of the Land Cruisers.”
The Speaker’s directive has sparked a rebellion among lawmakers, most of whom had opposed his return to office. The legislators are refusing to surrender the luxury SUVs, arguing that they cannot be forced to trade them for the older-model Fortuner vehicles Obasa initially planned to distribute.
“Mr. Speaker has made it clear that the vehicles must be returned, but the lawmakers are not willing to part with the latest Land Cruisers in exchange for lower-grade SUVs,” the source added. “This is causing another major crisis within the Assembly.”
Obasa has remained silent on the matter, declining requests for comment. However, the standoff is rapidly escalating, further deepening divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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