There are signs that the camp of the embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is planning to oust the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, soon.
These signs emerged over the weekend when a source revealed to Vanguard that after several unsuccessful attempts to remove Meranda since her election on January 13, 2025, there are new strategies to reinstate Obasa. The latest plan involves electing a lawmaker from the Ikeja constituency, as candidates from Ifako-Ijaiye and others have pledged loyalty to Meranda.
APC leaders sympathetic to Obasa are working to install a proxy Speaker from Ikeja, who would step aside after a few weeks to allow Obasa’s return. Obasa would then resign in favor of a popular candidate for Speaker.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers have repeatedly expressed their unwavering support for Meranda. An anonymous APC chieftain criticized the focus on Abuja’s role in Obasa’s potential reinstatement, questioning the need for clearance from Abuja at this stage of democracy.
Public critic Benjamin Mokwunye, in his article “Time to Move On,” suggested that the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) may have been involved in Obasa’s removal. After Obasa’s ousting, Meranda reportedly visited the GAC and received their endorsement. This endorsement and visit should have been handled more delicately to avoid perceptions of GAC’s involvement in the coup.
While a few GAC members have opposed Obasa’s removal, their protests have not gained traction. Speculation persists about APC leaders wanting Obasa back, but the legitimacy of these rumors is uncertain. The lawmakers’ democratic procedure for Obasa’s removal, based on allegations of financial misconduct and mismanagement, is clear.
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If the party hierarchy begins to interfere with such removals, they risk alienating their base. Analysts warn that while Obasa’s removal as Lagos assembly speaker could disrupt political dynamics, insisting on his reinstatement would be detrimental. The party must find constructive ways to regain control.
Obasa’s leadership has made it difficult for party leaders to support him. His response to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s budget presentation demonstrated poor judgment. The overwhelming consensus against him from colleagues reflects the poor choice made nearly a decade ago when he was first elected Speaker.
The GAC and the party must move beyond Obasa, recognizing their own flawed choices in leadership. Their indecision over a straightforward issue is troubling, especially as Governor Sanwo-Olu remains silent to avoid being implicated in the removal of his adversary.
In a separate development, lawmakers praised the Tinubu administration during a recent plenary, highlighting its achievements. Tobun Abiodun (Epe I) commended Tinubu’s policies for positively impacting Nigeria’s economy in less than two years, noting improvements in GDP and the value of the Naira.
Majority Leader Adewale Temitope (Ifako-Ijaiye I) emphasized Tinubu’s preparedness for leadership, citing operational refineries and reduced fuel prices. Gbolahan Yishawu (Etim Osa II) acknowledged the President’s efforts in combating insecurity and inflation, while Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) praised the minimum wage increase and investment initiatives.
Speaker Meranda expressed optimism about Tinubu meeting Nigerians’ needs and directed the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, to send a commendation letter to the President. The House is expected to resume on Monday at 11 am as further developments unfold.
