Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has announced his return as the leader of the state’s parliament.
Obasa made this declaration on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as he arrived at the Assembly complex with a retinue of security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service (SSS). This marked his first public appearance in the legislative chambers since his removal on January 13.
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa told journalists and his supporters upon entering the Assembly premises.
Obasa’s sudden declaration has sparked confusion and controversy, as no official leadership election has taken place to reinstate him as Speaker. His claim directly contradicts the decision of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which voted overwhelmingly to impeach him last month.
His impeachment followed allegations of misconduct and internal party disagreements. Shortly after his removal, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly. However, she has struggled to take full control of the legislative arm, with tensions continuing to rise among lawmakers loyal to different factions.
Obasa’s troubles began earlier this year when a majority of lawmakers turned against him in what political analysts described as a major shake-up in Lagos politics. The lawmakers cited reasons ranging from alleged financial mismanagement to a breakdown in internal trust within the legislative house.
In a dramatic turn of events, on January 13, the Assembly voted overwhelmingly to remove Obasa. Following his impeachment, Meranda, the former Deputy Speaker, was chosen to replace him. However, her leadership has faced resistance from some lawmakers and political interests within the state.
Obasa, determined to fight back, challenged his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed in the impeachment process. Despite his legal battle, no court ruling has yet reinstated him as Speaker.
Obasa’s return to the Assembly complex with police and SSS protection signals a deepening power struggle in Lagos politics. His ability to gain access to the premises with heavy security detail suggests he still has significant backing from powerful figures within the state.
Political observers note that Lagos State has a history of keeping its internal political affairs tightly controlled, with key figures ensuring stability within the ruling political structure. However, the crisis in the Lagos Assembly appears to be a departure from this tradition.
Obasa’s actions raise questions about the role of security agencies in the ongoing power struggle. There has been no official confirmation from the Lagos State government or the Nigeria Police Force on whether they were directed to facilitate his return.
The return of Obasa has thrown the Lagos Assembly into further uncertainty. With Meranda still holding the position of Speaker and no formal vote reversing Obasa’s impeachment, the legislature is now caught in a leadership dispute that could affect its operations.
Attempts to reach Meranda for her reaction to the development were unsuccessful as of Thursday afternoon. Her silence has left many wondering how she and her supporters will respond to Obasa’s sudden move.
Legal experts suggest that unless a court ruling reinstates Obasa or a new leadership vote is conducted, his claim to the Speaker position remains questionable. However, the political support he still enjoys within the Assembly and the wider Lagos political structure will likely influence the outcome of the situation.
The ongoing crisis in the Lagos Assembly is seen by many as a reflection of deeper political tensions within the ruling party. Lagos, a state known for its political cohesion under the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is now witnessing an unusual level of discord among its lawmakers.
Observers say that the situation could have wider implications for the state’s governance, as internal divisions may affect legislative decisions on key policies and projects. Some analysts believe that the crisis may be linked to preparations for the next general elections, with different political factions positioning themselves for influence and control.
News of Obasa’s return has drawn mixed reactions from the public and political stakeholders. While some of his supporters celebrated the development, others expressed concern that the crisis could destabilize the Assembly’s operations.
“This is not good for Lagos State,” said a political analyst, who preferred to remain anonymous. “The legislative arm needs stability to function effectively, and this kind of power struggle sends the wrong message to the public.”
Some residents of Lagos also expressed frustration over the ongoing battle for leadership in the Assembly. “The lawmakers should focus on passing laws that will benefit the people, not fighting over positions,” said a resident in Ikeja.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and legal experts have called for clarity on the situation. Some have urged the state government and the leadership of the ruling APC to step in and resolve the crisis before it escalates further.
