Obasa’s Bold Statement: “I Remain the Speaker”

Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, made a dramatic return to the Assembly complex on Thursday, claiming that he has resumed his position as the Speaker. This announcement comes after a prolonged leadership crisis within the Assembly, which began on January 13, when Obasa was removed by 32 out of the 40 lawmakers.

Accompanied by a heavy security presence, including police officers and State Security Service (SSS) personnel, Obasa walked into the Assembly complex, asserting that he was still the rightful leader of the House. “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa confidently declared to those gathered at the scene. This statement marks a significant development in the ongoing political drama surrounding the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The situation has left the Assembly in a state of confusion and uncertainty, with Obasa’s return creating further divisions among the lawmakers. As tensions continue to rise, the absence of the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, only adds to the disorder. Reports indicate that Meranda was not present during Obasa’s re-entry into the complex.

In a related development, the doors to the Speaker’s office had reportedly been forcibly opened by Obasa’s supporters, with some armed individuals also seen accompanying him to the Assembly. The surrounding streets were blocked, with Obasa’s loyalists preventing traffic from entering the complex, as they tried to regain control.

This incident comes amidst growing concerns over security, especially after reports surfaced earlier in the week that the security details of the current Speaker, Meranda, were withdrawn, leaving her vulnerable. The situation has raised alarms over the safety of the Speaker and the potential for further unrest within the Assembly.

The leadership crisis has escalated despite attempts from key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to mediate the dispute. With the Assembly currently on indefinite recess, the issue remains unresolved, leaving the future leadership of the Assembly in limbo.

Obasa’s return marks a new chapter in this ongoing political struggle, and it is expected to deepen the divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further disruptions and to restore order to the legislative body.