Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who was impeached as Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, appears poised for a comeback. Sources close to the situation confirm that Obasa’s security detail has been restored, while those assigned to Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who replaced him as Speaker, have been withdrawn, in a dramatic turn of events in Lagos State politics.
The withdrawal of security personnel from Speaker Meranda has sent shockwaves through political circles in Lagos. Reports indicate that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate removal of all police personnel assigned not only to Meranda but also from the Assembly complex and the Oniru of Iruland’s palace, raising significant security concerns.
Meranda made history as the first female to occupy the position of Speaker in Lagos State after she was unanimously elected following Obasa’s impeachment. However, her tenure appears to be coming to an abrupt end despite not having officially resigned from the position.
Political Intervention and Resolution
The turning point came over the weekend when key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders intervened to resolve the crisis that has engulfed the House of Assembly. A high-level meeting was convened with political heavyweights including former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Osun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Commissioner for Justice Dr. Muiz Banire, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and several lawmakers.
During this crucial meeting, insiders report that Meranda’s political fate was effectively sealed. “In truth, what they said was that Obasa’s removal was illegal and the lawmakers were directed at the meeting to go and return him,” revealed a source familiar with the proceedings.
The leaders reportedly reached a resolution that strongly favored Obasa’s return to the speakership position, with Meranda being asked to vacate her seat. This comes as a surprise to many political observers as stakeholders had apparently reached an earlier agreement where Obasa would resign, Meranda would step down, and the Lagos West senatorial district would produce a new Speaker.
Security Concerns Mount
The sudden withdrawal of security personnel has raised alarm among lawmakers and political stakeholders. A source within the Assembly, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the development as “unprecedented and worrisome.”
“Why would the CP take such a drastic step without explanation? The Speaker, being the head of a key arm of government, requires adequate security. The withdrawal of police personnel from the Assembly complex itself raises even bigger concerns,” the source stated.
The decision has left both the current Speaker and the Assembly potentially vulnerable at a time when security concerns remain a significant issue across the country. Attempts to obtain clarification from police authorities have reportedly been unsuccessful.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear exactly when the House will reconvene to implement the expected leadership changes. Meranda had adjourned plenary indefinitely two weeks ago following a commotion in the assembly resulting from an intervention by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
All eyes are now on the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to address the mounting security concerns and ensure that governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital is not disrupted further. Lawmakers and political stakeholders continue to demand answers regarding the security situation at the Assembly complex.
As this political drama unfolds, the expected return of Obasa to the speakership position would represent yet another twist in Lagos State’s legislative politics, less than two months after his controversial impeachment.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
