“Political Storm Brews in Lagos as Cabal Orchestrates Obasa’s Removal”
The controversy surrounding the sudden removal of Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, continues to unfold, with new details emerging about the masterminds behind the leadership change. Obasa, who was accused of harboring gubernatorial ambitions, became the target of a well-coordinated move orchestrated by a faction within the political elite, often referred to as the “cabal,” and supported by influential figures who saw Obasa as a threat to their political control.
Sources reveal that this group includes a mix of former high-profile politicians—such as a former Senator, ex-Ambassador, and former Minister from Lagos Central; a two-term former Senator from Lagos East and West; a former gubernatorial aspirant; a former deputy speaker of the House of Assembly; and several top officials within the Lagos State Government.
These figures have formed a fragmented but united front, creating cells within the political landscape that include serving and former members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a few members of the House of Representatives, party executives, council chairmen, and influential figures from the Governance Advisory Council (GAC). Their joint agenda, focused on “Resisting GAC” and “Obasa Must Go,” has garnered support from prominent traditional rulers, some of whom are reported to have provided backing for the campaign. One such traditional leader was quoted as saying, “Lagos for Lagos has started, and we are set to rescue Lagos from ‘a to hun in wa’ (foreigners).”
The plot against Obasa is said to have been financially supported by a former commissioner, now a state lawmaker, who had been providing monetary incentives to key members of the House ahead of Obasa’s removal. The funds, reportedly still held by a reputable monarch in the Central Senatorial District, are believed to cover both the bribery and the public relations campaign against Obasa, his allies, and even President Bola Tinubu and his wife.
Obasa’s ousting was publicly celebrated, with one of the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairmen seen jubilantly spreading the news to media contacts during a meeting with the APC State Chairman. This public exultation signals deeper unrest within the political machinery, where opposition to Tinubu’s leadership is intensifying.
As the weeks progress, the political landscape of Lagos is poised for further upheaval. The cells within the opposition camp are focusing on strategic moves for the 2025 local government elections, party congresses, and potential resistance against the current leadership. Some party stalwarts have expressed doubts about Tinubu’s ability to handle the factional tensions, with one stating, “We will see how Tinubu handles this situation. It is left for him to either build or collapse the party in Lagos.”
The erosion of discipline and loyalty within the APC has also been noted, as the GAC, once a body meant to guide government decisions, has become entangled in political conflicts. With party leaders placing their own children in key positions, including council chairmen and members of the House of Assembly, political differences and biases have weakened the party’s ability to function cohesively.
As the political drama unfolds, Lagos residents and political observers are keenly watching the next moves, eager to see whether Team Tinubu will maintain dominance beyond 2027, or if Team Sanwo-Olu’s bullish influence will ultimately prevail in the battle for control of Lagos State.
