The reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, convened a meeting on Tuesday with fellow lawmakers at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja. This gathering followed his controversial return to the Speaker’s seat, a development that ended weeks of leadership turbulence within the legislative arm.
Obasa was re-elected on Monday after Mojisola Meranda stepped down from her short-lived tenure as Speaker, resuming her previous role as Deputy Speaker. Meranda had led the House for 49 days following Obasa’s ousting on January 13, 2025.
His return was largely attributed to interventions by key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), notably former governors Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba. Despite Obasa’s reinstatement, murmurs of discontent persist within the legislative chamber.
Tuesday’s meeting sparked speculation that the Speaker might be considering resignation, but sources close to him dismissed such claims. The Chairman of the APC in Lagos, Cornelius Ojelabi, also played down the rumours.
However, some lawmakers at the meeting, speaking anonymously, expressed dissatisfaction, noting that a major grievance that led to Obasa’s removal—his management style—surfaced again. One legislator revealed that the meeting, scheduled for 1:00 PM, was delayed until 2:30 PM without an apology from the Speaker, fueling further discontent.
Another lawmaker disclosed that the primary focus of the meeting was an ongoing case involving the suspended Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, whose legal battle with the Assembly is set for hearing on Thursday. Concerns were also raised about the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the matter, which reportedly led to the arrest of some legislators.
Despite efforts to restore unity, sources indicate that resentment still lingers among the lawmakers, with many maintaining their opposition to Obasa’s leadership. However, discussions are ongoing, particularly concerning Onafeko’s potential reinstatement. Obasa is reportedly advocating for his return, but resistance remains strong among some legislators.
Onafeko, who was removed on January 13 alongside Obasa and replaced with Ottun Babatunde, has taken legal action against the Assembly at the National Industrial Court. Despite this, he signaled a willingness to explore a political resolution, acknowledging that the matter goes beyond legalities and involves broader institutional and political considerations.
The unfolding situation continues to shape the dynamics of the Lagos State House of Assembly, with its future direction still uncertain.
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