The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting that Speaker Mudashiru Obasa would resign as part of the agreement to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Reacting to the speculation, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo refuted the claims, stating:
“To the best of my knowledge, there was no time the arrangement for Obasa to resign came up in the terms of settlement of the crisis.”
However, Oladejo confirmed that Obasa is expected to withdraw his lawsuit soon in the interest of peace and progress within the Assembly and the party.
Behind Closed Doors: Obasa Meets Lawmakers
On Tuesday, Obasa held a closed-door meeting with 39 lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, at the Assembly complex. The discussion, which began around 2:10 p.m., was reportedly aimed at resolving tensions and reintegrating aggrieved lawmakers.
This comes after Obasa was re-elected as Speaker on Monday following Meranda’s resignation from the position.
Background: What Led to the Crisis?
In January, lawmakers voted to remove Obasa as Speaker, citing allegations of:
- Poor leadership
- Abuse of power
- Frequent lateness to plenary sessions
- Intimidation of colleagues
The impeachment had the backing of over 90% of the lawmakers, but Obasa rejected the decision, arguing that due process was not followed. He also denied allegations of financial misappropriation, calling them “impossible.”
GAC Steps In to Mediate
To resolve the crisis, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, alongside key party figures including APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Lagos Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, intervened.
There were speculations that as part of the agreement, Meranda would resign, allowing Obasa to return as Speaker. However, some sources claim that Obasa was also expected to step down within 48 hours to allow a new Speaker from Lagos West, as demanded by 34 lawmakers.
It remains to be seen whether this reported agreement will hold or if Obasa will remain in office despite opposition within the Assembly.