JUST IN: Like Meranda, Obasa to resign Tuesday, new Lagos speaker emerge on Wednesday
By Trek Africa Newspaper
In a bold move to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has instructed Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Deputy Speaker Hon. Mojisola Meranda to step down.
The council also announced that a new Speaker would be selected from Lagos West and officially named on Wednesday.
This decision follows a period of intense political turmoil within the Assembly. Last week, Obasa controversially reclaimed his position, holding a plenary session with four lawmakers despite an ongoing legal battle over his removal. The lawsuit, which has drawn in 35 lawmakers, was recently heard at the Ikeja High Court, with proceedings adjourned until March 7, 2025.
Addressing the situation in a media briefing, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi stated that the lawmakers lacked the authority to unilaterally remove a Speaker without consulting the party. “The removal of Obasa was solely the decision of the lawmakers, without the approval of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the GAC,” Olusi clarified.
He further emphasized that the GAC was neither involved in nor informed about Obasa’s impeachment. “We, like everyone else, learned about it through the media. The lawmakers acted independently,” he said.
The GAC has since invited all involved legislators to present their grievances but criticized their failure to consult the party before taking drastic action. “The decision lies with the party. Lawmakers do not have absolute power to remove and install leaders,” Olusi insisted.
To resolve the impasse, the APC has established a high-powered committee led by Chief Bisi Akande. Other key members include former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Chief Pius Akinyelure, and other senior party figures. The committee is engaging all stakeholders, including Obasa and Meranda, to reach a final resolution.
According to Olusi, the following resolutions were reached at the GAC meeting:
Mojisola Meranda is to resign by tomorrow (Monday).
Mudashiru Obasa is to return and resign as well.
Both resignation letters must reach the GAC by Wednesday.
The GAC will announce a new Speaker from Lagos West on Wednesday.
Olusi downplayed reports of divisions within the GAC, stating that dissenting views from some members did not represent the council’s official position. He assured that the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms were in place and urged patience as the crisis is being managed.
“This issue will be resolved very soon. Disputes and differences are part of life, but we have established ways to settle them within the party,” Olusi assured.
With both Obasa and Meranda expected to step down in the coming days, all eyes are now on the GAC’s next move as Lagos navigates its latest political drama.
