Lagos Assembly crisis: Tinubu’s directive overruled as Meranda holds speakership

The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated, as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly defied President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

As reported by Politics Nigeria, despite Tinubu’s intervention, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda remains in office, enjoying the support of the majority of lawmakers.

The GAC, following a meeting with the president, had been tasked with resolving the impasse, but efforts to reinstate Obasa have been met with resistance.

Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, when 32 out of 40 Assembly members voted to impeach him in absentia, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and misconduct.

His ousting has since triggered internal disputes within the APC, with key figures in Tinubu’s political circle divided on the matter.

On Monday, an emergency meeting was convened at Lagos House, Marina, by the GAC, led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, to discuss the situation. While some lawmakers from Lagos West were expected to support a leadership change to balance the state’s political structure, they instead reaffirmed their loyalty to Meranda, rejecting calls for her removal.

Insiders disclosed that Tinubu, dissatisfied with the turn of events, instructed the GAC to facilitate Obasa’s return, at least temporarily, to restore stability before selecting a new speaker.

However, opposition within the GAC, particularly from Olusi and other senior members, led to a standoff, further deepening the division within the party.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, although publicly neutral, is rumored to be subtly backing Meranda’s retention while discouraging moves to reinstate Obasa.

Reports indicate that he has urged lawmakers to stand their ground, hinting at a possible shift in political alignments within the state.

With no resolution in sight, the crisis has now been escalated to Abuja, where further deliberations are expected to determine the future of the Lagos Assembly leadership.