Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has declared himself the authentic Speaker of the House, stating that he has resumed his position as the parliament leader.
This move comes after Obasa was removed as speaker on January 13, and Mojisola Meranda was elected as his successor.
Obasa returned to the assembly complex on Thursday, accompanied by police and State Security Service operatives, and entered the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon. He told reporters, “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly”.
When asked if he had been reinstated as speaker, Obasa claimed that he was never formally removed, emphasizing that any impeachment or removal must follow due process.
The assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since Obasa’s removal, with lawmakers accusing him of poor leadership style, perpetual lateness, high-handedness, and abuse of office. In an attempt to resolve the crisis, All Progressives Congress leaders, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, held meetings with stakeholders and assembly members.
It was reported that both Obasa and Meranda might step down for another lawmaker to lead the house, with one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West being considered as the new Speaker.
The development has sparked controversy, with Meranda’s security aides being withdrawn, and Obasa’s supporters storming the assembly complex. The Lagos lawmakers have rejected Obasa’s claim, insisting that Meranda remains the speaker.