Obasa faces mounting pressure to reclaim Lagos Assembly speakership amid crisis

DDM News

The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn, with mounting pressure on Mojisola Meranda to step down as Speaker.

Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, remains at the center of the controversy.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) Sources close to the ongoing discussions revealed that President Bola Tinubu has intervened to resolve the lingering dispute.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu convened a high-level meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, on Sunday.

The meeting included former governors Bisi Akande, Olusegun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, alongside key members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council.

Also present were APC Lagos Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and former state chairman Tunde Balogun.

The discussions focused on finding a resolution to the speakership dispute between Obasa and Meranda.

A source familiar with the matter stated that party leaders would hold further discussions with Lagos lawmakers.

“The meeting is ongoing. The party chieftains will call the lawmakers for another round of discussions to resolve the crisis,” the source said.

Obasa seeks to return as Speaker, proposing to step down voluntarily after a brief period.

However, some lawmakers fear that once reinstated, he may refuse to vacate the position.

President Tinubu, reportedly frustrated by the prolonged crisis, tasked APC leaders with brokering a resolution.

Naijaonpoint reports that Obasa challenged his removal in a Lagos State High Court, arguing that it occurred while the Assembly was in recess.

There are indications that Meranda may step down in favor of Setonji David, a lawmaker from Badagry.

This proposal is part of a compromise arrangement orchestrated by APC leadership.

A Presidency source confirmed the ongoing consultations, stating that a balanced solution is being pursued.

“It is true. Consultations have been held, and it appears Meranda will step down,” the source confirmed.

Another source revealed that President Tinubu supports a resolution that ensures fair representation for Lagos West.

“The President believes Lagos West should not be sidelined and favors a solution that accommodates all interests,” the source added.

Pressure has been increasing on Meranda to resign, leading to multiple meetings on the matter.

Reports surfaced last week about her impending resignation, but no official confirmation has been made.

Her aide, Segun Ajiboye, has denied claims that she has resigned.

A leaked letter suggesting her resignation circulated last week but was never read in the Assembly.

A source within the Assembly confirmed that she faced direct pressure from Abuja to step down.

Facebook user Ayoade Adeniyi commented that a final resolution had not yet been reached.

“Olori Oko has given a direct order that Meranda should step down. All House members met with the Governor on February 22, 2025,” he wrote.

Adeniyi warned that reinstating Obasa could trigger backlash, although lawmakers were open to an alternative candidate.

Lawmakers continue to deliberate on the matter, with key stakeholders seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As discussions intensify, all eyes remain on the Lagos State House of Assembly for the final outcome of the leadership tussle.

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