The controversy surrounding the removal of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, remains unresolved as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State seeks President Bola Tinubu’s intervention. Leaders of the GAC met with Tinubu to update him on their stalled negotiations with state lawmakers.
Failed Reconciliation Efforts
On Monday, the GAC convened an emergency meeting with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly at Lagos House, Marina, in an attempt to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis. This meeting followed a prior gathering two weeks earlier at the same venue, where broad support was expressed for the newly installed Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
Obasa’s removal, which occurred on January 13, 2025, saw 32 out of 40 lawmakers vote to oust him over allegations of financial mismanagement, misconduct, and abuse of office. His absence during the impeachment process added to the controversy. Following his removal, Meranda was swiftly appointed Speaker, a decision that has since sparked divisions within the party’s leadership and the legislative body.
The GAC’s Leadership Crisis Deepens
The GAC, led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, attempted to broker peace during Monday’s meeting, which was attended by 39 lawmakers—excluding Obasa. A major point of contention was the zoning of the Speakership position. While both the current Governor and Speaker hail from Lagos Central, some factions pushed for a power shift to Lagos West to maintain regional balance. However, lawmakers from Lagos West declined the proposal, instead reaffirming their support for Meranda.
Obasa, a longtime ally within Tinubu’s political circle, reportedly enjoys backing from influential figures. President Tinubu had earlier directed the GAC to intervene and ensure a peaceful resolution. During the Yuletide period, he had met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other key stakeholders at the Presidential Lodge in Ikoyi to discuss the crisis.
Resistance to Obasa’s Return
Despite Tinubu’s involvement, the situation remains tense. Some GAC members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Muraino Taiwo, have described Obasa’s removal as procedurally flawed, raising legal and political concerns. Reports indicate that Tinubu himself allegedly referred to the impeachment as a “coup” and suggested that Meranda step down to pave the way for Obasa’s reinstatement, pending a new Speaker’s election.
However, GAC chairman Tajudeen Olusi and his faction are reportedly opposing Tinubu’s directive, advocating instead for the status quo. During Monday’s meeting, Olusi proposed that lawmakers from Lagos West nominate three candidates for the Speakership, aligning with the push for regional balance. However, a Justice Forum faction within the GAC had already shortlisted three potential candidates:
- Temitope Adedeji (Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1)
- David Setonji (Badagry Constituency 2)
- Wale Rauf (Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2)
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro reportedly intervened, advising Wale Rauf to reject the nomination on behalf of Lagos West lawmakers. Rauf complied, reinforcing his colleagues’ support for Meranda’s leadership. This move led to a formal undertaking signed by lawmakers, which would later be presented to President Tinubu.
Deadlock and Sanwo-Olu’s Role
Tensions escalated further when Senator Ganiyu Solomon, another GAC member, accused Olusi of misrepresenting Tinubu’s stance, leading to a heated exchange. The meeting ultimately ended in a stalemate, with no consensus reached.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that Governor Sanwo-Olu, who has a strained relationship with Obasa, may be discreetly working against his reinstatement despite Tinubu’s directive. Reports indicate that before Monday’s meeting, Sanwo-Olu had privately briefed select lawmakers on Tinubu’s stance while simultaneously encouraging others to resist Obasa’s return.
With no resolution in sight, the GAC has escalated the matter to Abuja, where further discussions are expected to determine the final outcome of Lagos’ ongoing legislative crisis.
What’s Next?
The deadlock highlights growing fractures within Lagos APC’s leadership, as different factions vie for control over the state’s legislative arm. Whether Tinubu’s directive will be enforced or whether the pro-Meranda lawmakers will hold their ground remains uncertain. The outcome of the Abuja discussions will likely shape Lagos State’s political landscape in the coming months.
