In a whirlwind of political intrigue and legislative maneuvering, the Lagos State House of Assembly has been plunged into a contentious leadership crisis, sparking debates about procedure, legitimacy, and power dynamics within Nigeria's economic capital.
The Assembly recently made history by electing its first female Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, after removing Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from office in an impeachment process that has been fraught with controversy. Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of the impeachment, has rejected the move, calling it "invalid" due to the absence of the official mace—a key symbol of legislative authority—during the proceedings.
OBASA: ‘IMPEACHMENT INVALID WITHOUT PROPER MACE’
Obasa has not minced words in his rebuttal, describing the process as a political coup orchestrated without adherence to legislative protocols. “An impeachment without the mace is unconstitutional and invalid. I remain the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly until due process is followed,” he declared in a statement issued from his location abroad.
The former Speaker’s legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge the impeachment in court, with plans to argue that the absence of the mace renders the entire exercise null and void. Obasa’s camp has also hinted at a broader political conspiracy to undermine his leadership, suggesting external influences may have played a role in the saga.
THE ASSEMBLY STANDS FIRM BEHIND MERANDA
Despite Obasa’s claims, the Lagos Assembly insists that the impeachment was valid and conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions. Lawmakers accuse Obasa of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and abuse of office—charges they claim were unanimously supported by a majority vote of the Assembly members.
In what some have hailed as a landmark decision, Mojisola Meranda has been sworn in as the new Speaker. Her supporters view her emergence as a breakthrough for women in Nigerian politics, while critics question the legitimacy of the process that brought her to power.
Speaking at her first press briefing as Speaker, Meranda affirmed her commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress. “The Assembly remains united and focused on its legislative responsibilities. Nothing has changed, and we are moving forward with the business of governance,” she stated firmly, dismissing suggestions of instability.
A HISTORY OF IMPEACHED SPEAKERS IN LAGOS STATE
This is not the first time the Lagos State House of Assembly has faced the political drama of impeaching its Speaker. The history of the state is dotted with instances where Speakers fell from power due to allegations of misconduct and political rivalries.
In 2005, Adeyemi Ikuforiji survived a turbulent tenure filled with legal and political battles, narrowly avoiding impeachment multiple times. His case set a precedent for Speakers who faced allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
The tenure of Jokotola Pelumi in 2006 was cut short after he was impeached on charges of financial misconduct. His removal created ripples in the state's political structure, marking one of the most high-profile leadership crises at the time.
In 2009, late Abayomi Kinyomi, another Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, faced impeachment following allegations of poor leadership and financial recklessness, serving as a cautionary tale about the precarious nature of the Speakership in Lagos politics.
These instances highlight a recurring trend of political intrigue within the state’s legislative arm, underscoring the fragile relationship between power and accountability.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS AND PUBLIC REACTION
The impeachment of Obasa has sent shockwaves through Lagos’ political and governance circles, with implications that could influence the broader dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and beyond.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a political godfather of Lagos, has reportedly urged calm while emphasizing the need for unity within the party. Tinubu is known for his influence over Lagos politics, and many are looking to his stance for guidance on how this crisis will be resolved. While he has not issued an official statement, close allies suggest he is carefully assessing the situation to ensure that it does not destabilize the state’s governance or harm the APC’s standing.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex political body in Lagos State, has also weighed in, expressing concern about the potential fallout of the crisis. In a private meeting, members of the GAC reportedly advised all parties to handle the matter with caution to protect the integrity of Lagos State’s political structure. The GAC is said to be working behind the scenes to mediate and avoid prolonged legal battles that could tarnish the state’s reputation.
On the streets of Lagos and across social media platforms, public opinion is divided. While some citizens have welcomed Obasa’s removal as a sign of accountability, others view the situation as another example of the cutthroat nature of Nigerian politics. Many believe the crisis is a test of the APC’s internal discipline and ability to manage political disputes without fracturing its power base.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly seems to be reaching its final chapters, with the political landscape rapidly solidifying around the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. Following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the leadership of the House, under Meranda, has already met with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These high-level discussions have played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the crisis, with key stakeholders seemingly aligned behind Meranda’s leadership.
It is increasingly clear that Obasa’s impeachment is a "done deal." Despite his vociferous claims of an invalid impeachment, the support of the GAC and the tacit endorsement of both Governor Sanwo-Olu and President Tinubu suggest that the forces behind his removal are deeply entrenched. Obasa now faces a stark choice: he can either accept the decision and avoid further political fallout, or he can fight against his party—a confrontation that could have far-reaching consequences for his political future.
If Obasa chooses to challenge the party, he risks a bitter public battle that may divide the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, as well as cast doubts on the party's ability to manage internal disagreements. Alternatively, he could back down and accept the new leadership, allowing for a more peaceful transition and safeguarding his political standing within the party.
The battle for Obasa’s leadership may now only be a matter of whether he will bow to the inevitable or mount an attempt to defy the party’s will. Either way, the power dynamics within Lagos politics will never be the same again, as the outcome of this crisis will determine not just the future of the Assembly but also the balance of power in the state.
Adeola Shittu