Ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that he has resumed his position as the leader of the House, despite being removed on January 13.
Obasa made this statement on Thursday, after returning to the assembly complex with security escorts from the police and the State Security Service (SSS).
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” he told reporters.
When asked whether he had been reinstated, he insisted: “I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.”
Obasa’s Return and Assembly Tensions
Obasa’s re-entry into the Speaker’s Office coincided with the withdrawal of security aides assigned to Mojisola Meranda, who was elected as Speaker following his removal.
The Lagos Assembly has been in turmoil since his impeachment, with over 90% of lawmakers accusing him of:
- Poor leadership style
- Perpetual lateness to legislative functions
- High-handedness and intimidation of colleagues
- Abuse of office and privileges
- Disregard for the governor and executive arm
APC Leaders Intervene
To resolve the crisis, top APC figures, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, met with key stakeholders on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
Reports suggest that both Obasa and Meranda may step aside for a new Speaker from Lagos West to emerge.
With tensions still high, the power struggle in the Lagos Assembly continues, leaving uncertainty over the House’s leadership.