Following a high-stakes meeting at the Governor’s residence in Marina, the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has reached a resolution. Here are the key developments:
Resolution Details
- Mojisola Meranda has agreed to resign from her position as Speaker
- Mudashiru Obasa will return briefly as Speaker, only to formally resign
- A new Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial District will emerge on Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Background of the Crisis
The crisis began when Obasa was impeached by 36 out of 40 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, while President Tinubu was in Abu Dhabi. Meranda was elected as his replacement, becoming the first female Speaker in the Assembly’s history.
Meeting Insights
At Sunday’s critical meeting, which included all Assembly members, GAC leaders, and Governor Sanwo-Olu:
- Obasa secured only seven votes of support from lawmakers
- Assembly members openly aired grievances about welfare neglect under Obasa’s leadership
- Some lawmakers disclosed taking personal loans to sustain themselves
- One member reported receiving no financial support while hospitalized in intensive care
Presidential Intervention
President Bola Tinubu’s intervention led to the compromise solution, allowing Obasa a “soft landing” through voluntary resignation rather than impeachment. Both Meranda and Obasa must submit their resignation letters to the Governance Advisory Council by Wednesday.
Obasa has been serving as Speaker since 2015, making him the longest-serving Speaker in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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.
