The crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn, with both Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda laying claim to the speakership position. The development has polarized the state legislative arm, with each faction insisting on its legitimacy.
The leadership crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 33 lawmakers removed Obasa as Speaker of the House, citing abuse of office, financial misappropriations, and misconduct. Meranda, a former Deputy Speaker, was subsequently declared the new Speaker.
However, Obasa has refused to recognize his removal, stating that he was not given a fair hearing. Despite his absence from the House since his removal, Obasa returned to the assembly complex on Thursday, accompanied by security officials, and presided over a plenary session with four lawmakers.
The move has sparked controversy, with Meranda’s camp dismissing Obasa’s actions as a “show of shame.” Meranda, who has been recognized as the Speaker by the majority of lawmakers, has adjourned the plenary sine die and is also laying claim to the speakership.
The crisis has also led to the emergence of two clerks, Ottun Babatunde and Olalekan Onafeko. Onafeko was suspended by the House on January 13, and Babatunde was appointed as his replacement. However, Onafeko has approached the National Industrial Court in Lagos, seeking redress and an interim injunction restraining the House from recognizing Babatunde as the clerk.
The court has granted Onafeko’s application, directing both parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined. Onafeko has since resumed duties as the clerk, while Babatunde has also issued a public notice affirming himself as the clerk.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, the highest decision-making organ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, has waded into the crisis. The GAC has stated that the lawmakers did not consult the party before removing Obasa, and that the party is working to resolve the crisis.
The APC leader in Lagos State, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, has blamed the lawmakers for not lodging their complaints earlier, stating that the party would have addressed the issues before they escalated.
The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has significant implications for the state’s governance and the APC’s reputation. The party’s inability to resolve the crisis has raised concerns about its internal democracy and ability to manage conflicts.
As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen how the party and the lawmakers will resolve the issue. One thing is certain, however: the people of Lagos State deserve a functional and effective legislative arm, and it is the responsibility of the lawmakers and the party to ensure that this is achieved.
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