The ongoing crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn, with lawmakers categorically rejecting claims that Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is involved in the internal political turmoil that has rocked the legislative body. These allegations, which have sparked online speculation and stirred public debate, were fiercely contested in an official statement issued by the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, on Tuesday.
Reports had surfaced in recent days suggesting that the wife of President Bola Tinubu, who had previously served as the First Lady of Lagos State, might be backing Mudashiru Obasa, the recently ousted Speaker of the Assembly. According to these rumours, she allegedly played a role in the leadership dispute that has resulted in a shift of power within the Assembly. However, the lawmakers were swift to reject these claims as “misleading” and “baseless,” affirming that Senator Oluremi Tinubu had no involvement in their internal matters.
“We categorically dissociate all members of the Lagos State House of Assembly from this false and baseless claim,” said Ogundipe, emphasizing that the allegation was purely fabricated. “All members of the Assembly hold the First Lady in the highest regard.”
This denial comes amid a larger backdrop of political infighting within the Assembly, where power struggles have led to the ousting of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. As the first major political conflict of the Tinubu presidency, the ongoing crisis has attracted significant attention from both the media and the public.
A Strained Leadership and Rumour Mill
The rumblings of dissent within the Lagos Assembly started in January 2025, when Mudashiru Obasa, who had served as Speaker for several years, was removed from his position in what many described as a surprise move. The sudden ousting sparked suspicions of external influence and power plays, which fueled widespread speculation about the involvement of powerful figures, including Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Despite these rumors, lawmakers have publicly stated that the issues within the Assembly are purely internal, stemming from differences in governance styles, disagreements over legislative priorities, and a shift in the balance of power within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
“The First Lady has no role in any internal disagreements within the House,” Ogundipe reaffirmed in his statement. “Any attempt to link her to these issues is entirely unfounded and inaccurate.”
The spokesperson also urged the media to practice responsible journalism, stressing the importance of verifying information before publication to avoid the spread of misinformation. “Responsible journalism requires seeking the truth and ensuring that reports are accurate and balanced,” Ogundipe added.
Despite the Assembly’s efforts to shut down the rumors, the allegations continue to circulate, with some insiders suggesting that external factors, including the influence of prominent APC figures, may have played a role in the leadership shake-up.
APC Officials in the Loop
Meanwhile, some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly met with executives of the APC on Tuesday to brief them about the situation within the Assembly. Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairman of the APC in Lagos State, took to social media to confirm the meeting, noting that the Assembly members had provided updates to the party’s State Working Committee.
“The State Working Committee received members from the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Ojelabi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “They provided us with updates on the latest developments, fostering official communication between our party and legislative members.”
Seye Oladejo, the party’s Publicity Secretary, spoke to this development during a phone interview, where he clarified that the meeting was merely a courtesy visit and had no direct link to the crisis. “It was just a courtesy visit to brief the party about what’s happening at the House,” Oladejo said. “Whatever is going on in the House, our position remains that it has to be resolved by the House.”
This statement signals the APC’s desire to remain neutral in the dispute, opting instead to let the legislative body resolve its internal issues without the involvement of external parties. However, this stance has done little to quell rumors that the leadership of the party may be influencing the power struggle in Lagos.
Political Implications of the Crisis
The crisis in the Lagos Assembly, one of Nigeria’s most politically significant state legislatures, has sent ripples through the political landscape, raising questions about the role of the APC and the influence of President Tinubu’s administration in the state. The situation is particularly sensitive due to Lagos’ prominence in Nigerian politics, with many viewing it as the economic and political heart of the country.
In the past, Lagos has been a stronghold for the Tinubu family, with the former governor, Bola Tinubu, remaining a powerful figure in the state’s political landscape. The speculation surrounding his wife’s involvement in the Assembly crisis highlights the continuing scrutiny of the Tinubu family’s influence on the state’s affairs.
The Assembly’s efforts to publicly distance the First Lady from the ongoing tensions are likely a strategic move to maintain political stability and avoid further polarizing the situation. By swiftly addressing the rumors, the Assembly hopes to mitigate any potential damage to its credibility and to restore order to the legislative process.
Calls for Unity and Resolution
Despite the distractions caused by the rumors, there are growing calls within the Assembly for unity and swift resolution. A number of lawmakers have voiced their concerns about the impact the crisis could have on the state’s governance, particularly as key legislative work is at a standstill.
In an earlier interview, a source close to the Assembly leadership expressed hopes for a speedy resolution to the leadership dispute. “The focus now should be on getting back to work and serving the people of Lagos. We cannot afford to let these distractions derail our progress,” the source said.
The crisis in the Lagos Assembly, therefore, not only has implications for the political careers of those involved but could also affect the state’s governance and its standing in the eyes of the public. How the Assembly handles this situation will likely set the tone for future political conflicts within the state and across the country.
As the dust continues to settle, all eyes remain on the Lagos State House of Assembly, awaiting a resolution that will either solidify or further divide the power structures within the state.
