Barely three weeks after his impeachment, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, may be on his way back to office, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is said to be mounting pressure on lawmakers to facilitate his reinstatement.
Insider sources revealed that Tinubu has urged members of the Assembly to reconsider their stance, warning of the potential political fallout if Obasa’s removal remains permanent. Of the 40 lawmakers in the Lagos Assembly, 38 belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), making Tinubu’s influence in the decision-making process significant.
Presidential Intervention: A Strategic Move?
According to a senior Lagos politician who participated in crucial meetings over the weekend, the president’s directive was clear. “The president has asked us to prepare for his return. He assured that Obasa will not stay long but will step down at an appropriate time of his own choosing,” the source disclosed.
Another lawmaker familiar with the situation confirmed that many legislators have reluctantly agreed to reinstate the former Speaker in order to manage the crisis. “We are doing this to give him a soft landing. If this matter drags on, the political consequences could be damaging,” the source stated.
However, not all members of the Assembly are on board. Some lawmakers who played a role in Obasa’s impeachment remain skeptical. “Bringing him back after what we uncovered is like reviving a snake whose head was already severed. It could be even more dangerous now,” one legislator warned.
To solidify support for Obasa’s return, a high-stakes meeting is scheduled for Monday in Abuja. Lawmakers who have yet to align with Tinubu’s directive are expected to be persuaded during this session. “The president’s grip on Lagos politics is firm, and many of us know resisting him comes with risks,” a senior political operative noted.
Obasa’s Impeachment and Allegations of Corruption
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, following allegations of misappropriating billions of naira meant for procurement, including funds allocated for vehicles and other state assets that were allegedly never delivered. His removal paved the way for the emergence of Lasbat Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, backed by at least 32 out of the 40 lawmakers.
Despite his removal, Obasa has reportedly refused to vacate the official Speaker’s residence on Joel Ogunnaike Street in Ikeja G.R.A. According to sources, he was abroad at the time of his impeachment. Upon returning to Nigeria, rather than moving to his private home, he went straight to the Speaker’s Lodge, insisting that he was only there to retrieve personal belongings. However, he has remained in the lodge ever since.
“Madam Speaker (Meranda) is too cautious to take over the residence by force,” a source familiar with the situation revealed.
First Lady Remi Tinubu’s Alleged Role
While it remains unclear whether First Lady Remi Tinubu directly influenced her husband’s push for Obasa’s reinstatement, sources claim she played a role in preventing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting him. However, she reportedly did not interfere with ongoing corruption investigations into his handling of public funds.
The president’s intervention in the matter has stirred controversy within the political circles in Lagos, with many lawmakers privately expressing their dissatisfaction.
“Some of us feel insulted by how the president is handling this. He is making us look powerless,” one aggrieved lawmaker said. “But we know that openly challenging him is not an option.”
Closed-Door Meetings with Sanwo-Olu
Obasa reportedly met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos State Government House in Marina on Saturday to finalize the terms of his return. A source close to the governor confirmed the meeting but declined to provide further details.
His reinstatement could happen as early as next week, insiders say, though uncertainties remain about how the power struggle will ultimately play out.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the presidency denied knowledge of any directive from Tinubu regarding the reinstatement. When reached for comment, both Obasa and Speaker Meranda remained silent on the matter.
Political Fallout and Implications
If Obasa is reinstated, it would not only highlight Tinubu’s tight grip on Lagos politics but also set a precedent for internal party discipline. The move may be aimed at maintaining stability within the APC ahead of future elections, ensuring that power remains concentrated within trusted circles.
However, it could also deepen divisions within the Lagos Assembly and further erode confidence in the legislature’s independence. Lawmakers who initially supported Obasa’s impeachment may find themselves in a difficult position, having to justify a reversal of their decision.
With tensions rising, political analysts believe the coming days will be critical in determining the Assembly’s next course of action. Whether lawmakers will fully comply with Tinubu’s directive or attempt to resist remains to be seen.
