“Lagos IPAC Tells Obasa: Step Down for Peace in Assembly Crisis”
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has called on the impeached Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to step aside and allow peace to prevail.
Temilola Akinade, Chairperson of IPAC in Lagos, made the statement during an interview on Wednesday, expressing disappointment over the ongoing crisis. The leadership turmoil began on January 13 when 32 out of the 40 members of the House voted to remove Obasa and replaced him with Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
However, the situation escalated on Monday when officers from the State Security Services (SSS) and armed police sealed off the offices of both the new speaker and deputy speaker, along with the chamber itself. Akinade described the disruption of legislative activities as unacceptable, stating that it had caused unnecessary embarrassment.
“IPAC will no longer accept this distraction at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Akinade declared. “The Lagos assembly, which prides itself on excellence, should not be disrupted by personal interests. Mudashiru Obasa has done his best; it’s time for him to step aside and allow peace to reign.”
She further emphasized that the law permits lawmakers to select their speaker, and with the overwhelming support of more than two-thirds of the assembly, Mojisola Meranda is the legitimate leader. “Obasa should allow Madam Speaker to continue the work from where he left off,” she added.
Akinade also highlighted the emotional toll the ongoing leadership crisis has had on Meranda. “The emotional stress she has been subjected to needs to come to an end,” she said, urging for a resolution that would allow Meranda to focus on her role. “The vote of confidence from over two-thirds of the assembly members shows that she has the legitimacy to lead.”
IPAC’s call for an end to the crisis signals growing frustration over the political instability, with many calling for the assembly’s focus to return to legislative duties, free from personal or factional interests.
