The Lagos State House of Assembly is caught in a power struggle, and lawmakers are making their stance clear—Mudashiru Obasa is no longer their Speaker.
On Thursday, Obasa made a bold move, walking into the Assembly complex with security operatives in tow, claiming he was still in charge. But his colleagues were having none of it. Thirty-six lawmakers stood their ground, publicly rejecting his return and reaffirming their support for Mojisola Meranda, the woman they had elected to lead them after his removal.
Addressing journalists, Steven Ogundipe, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, expressed frustration over what he described as an orchestrated attempt to undermine the House’s decision.
“We have been patient and followed due process, but what is happening today is an insult to democracy. We were told to stay calm, and yet, here we are, watching this political show unfold. We deserve respect as elected representatives of the people,” Ogundipe said.
While the lawmakers are standing firm, they are also calling on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to step in before things spiral further out of control.
The power struggle intensified after security aides assigned to Speaker Meranda were withdrawn, leaving her without official protection. Meanwhile, sources confirmed that Obasa’s security details have been restored, fueling speculation about political maneuvering behind the scenes.
The crisis has deepened divisions within the House, with only two lawmakers, Ayinde Akinsanya and Noheem Adams, seen accompanying Obasa when he walked into the Speaker’s office.
To address the crisis, top APC figures, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, recently met with lawmakers and other political stakeholders. Reports suggest that a compromise might be reached, with both Obasa and Meranda stepping aside for a new Speaker, likely from Lagos West.
As the battle for control of the Assembly continues, all eyes are on APC leadership to take decisive action and restore stability to Lagos State’s legislature.
