In a significant move to resolve the ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, President Bola Tinubu has intervened, urging lawmakers to allow Mudashiru Obasa to remain as Speaker. The president met with Obasa and other key lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, emphasizing the need for unity within the state legislature.
The crisis began when some lawmakers attempted to impeach Obasa earlier this year, but his removal was overturned after intense political intervention from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s powerful Governing Advisory Council (GAC). Although Obasa was reinstated on March 3, 2025, divisions among the lawmakers persisted.
According to sources, during the meeting with President Tinubu, it was decided that Obasa should remain as Speaker. The president, however, made it clear that Obasa must work closely with his colleagues and resolve any grievances within the assembly. Furthermore, Obasa was instructed to withdraw the ongoing court case he had filed in relation to his impeachment.
After the meeting, the lawmakers were heard chanting “On your mandate, we shall stand,” a popular phrase used by supporters of Tinubu. This showed their commitment to following the president’s directive.
Despite the tension surrounding the Speaker’s leadership, the atmosphere at the meeting was described as a “family matter,” with no reprimands issued to lawmakers who had previously supported Obasa’s removal. Instead, Tinubu focused on fostering peace and urged Obasa to prioritize unity and communication with his colleagues moving forward.
One source close to the discussions revealed that the president had expressed disappointment over Obasa’s failure to engage other lawmakers and bring them into the decision-making process. However, Tinubu made it clear that he was backing Obasa, since the Speaker was the one who brought the issue to him.
Obasa, along with fellow APC member James Faleke, declined to speak to the press after the meeting, offering no further details. Faleke, however, confirmed that the meeting had gone well, but did not elaborate on the specifics of the discussions.
The Lagos Assembly crisis has not only affected the leadership of the state legislature but also created divisions within the political landscape. Many had expected the situation to be resolved swiftly, but the ongoing conflict has shown the complexity of balancing the interests of different factions within the ruling party.
The dispute over the speakership has also raised concerns about the functioning of the Lagos State Assembly, as lawmakers remain divided over leadership issues. Although the intervention by President Tinubu seems to have brought a temporary resolution, observers warn that further challenges could arise if the lawmakers fail to address the underlying issues.
As tensions ease, all eyes will be on the Lagos Assembly to see if Obasa can successfully unite his colleagues and maintain the support of the APC. The outcome of the crisis could have far-reaching implications for the state’s politics, particularly as the 2025 elections approach.
In the meantime, the court case, which had been a key factor in the dispute, is expected to be withdrawn, as per the president’s directive. This could mark a new chapter for Obasa and the Lagos Assembly, but much will depend on how well the Speaker can navigate the fragile alliances within the legislature.
