Obasa’s Camp Plots to Overthrow Lagos Speaker Amid Political Tensions
There are mounting signs that the camp of Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is strategizing to remove the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. These developments emerged over the weekend when a confidential source shared the details with Vanguard.
The source revealed that despite several unsuccessful attempts to oust Meranda since her election on January 13, 2025, there are ongoing efforts to bring Obasa back to power. The latest scheme involves installing a new speaker from Ikeja, as a lawmaker from Ifako-Ijaiye turned down the offer, along with others who continue to support Meranda’s leadership.
Top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), who are sympathetic to Obasa, are reportedly pushing for the election of a proxy speaker from Ikeja, with the plan to eventually step down and allow Obasa to reclaim his position. However, Obasa is expected to resign soon after to pave the way for a more widely accepted candidate.
Meanwhile, Meranda continues to receive solid backing from the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Despite these tensions, lawmakers have reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to the Speaker.
An anonymous APC leader lamented the situation, questioning the role of the national leadership in attempting to reinstate Obasa despite his controversial tenure. This leader expressed frustration over the influence of external forces trying to interfere with the state’s legislative processes.
Speculations About GAC Involvement and Party Loyalty
Public critics, including Benjamin Mokwunye, have raised questions about the involvement of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Obasa’s removal. Mokwunye’s article, “Time to Move On,” suggests that GAC members might have had a hand in the decision to oust Obasa, despite their lack of formal constitutional power. He further discussed the unease within the council, noting that only a few members had expressed opposition to Obasa’s removal, but their protests have not gained traction.
Mokwunye emphasized that while the removal of Obasa was democratic, there were implications for the APC’s political future. He warned against further attempts to reinstate Obasa, arguing that such efforts could alienate rank-and-file members and create internal discord. He also criticized the GAC for its hesitation in addressing the matter and suggested that the council and the party leadership need to move beyond the Obasa issue.
Lagos Assembly Members Express Support for Meranda and National Achievements
Despite the ongoing crisis within the Assembly, lawmakers took time to celebrate President Tinubu’s leadership and policies during a recent plenary session. They praised his economic initiatives, which have led to an improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a strengthened naira. Other key achievements, including tackling fuel scarcity and reducing inflation, were also acknowledged.
Speaker Meranda voiced optimism about the future, highlighting the positive impact of President Tinubu’s policies, particularly in reducing insecurity. She expressed confidence that the president’s initiatives would continue to benefit the nation and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting his vision for Nigeria.
As the House resumes on Monday, the political landscape in Lagos continues to evolve, with further developments expected in the ongoing power struggle within the Assembly.
