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Segun Adeyemi

<h2>President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, and other lawmakers amid ongoing political tensions in the state legislature.</h2>

The lawmakers arrived at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in a Coaster bus at about 2:00 pm and were swiftly ushered into the President’s office complex by security personnel.

Notably, Mojisola Meranda, recently<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-lagos-assembly-swears-in-first-female-speaker-mojisola-meranda-2025011314151030885"> elected Speaker of the Lagos Assembly,</a> was part of the delegation.

However, Obasa arrived separately around 3:00 pm.

Although the details of the meeting remain undisclosed, it is widely believed to be linked to the recent political crisis in the Lagos Assembly.

Obasa was impeached from <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/lagos-assembly-tightens-security-ahead-of-obasas-return-amid-speakership-tussle-2025012707061935152">his position but was reinstated</a> following the intervention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.

Political analysts suggest Tinubu’s meeting with the lawmakers could be a move to consolidate party unity and prevent further internal disputes.

“This closed-door engagement signals the President’s strategic involvement in Lagos politics,” a source familiar with the matter disclosed.

Neither the lawmakers nor the Presidency has issued an official statement regarding the outcome of the meeting.

However, the development has fueled speculation over APC’s role in maintaining political stability within the Lagos Assembly.

Observers will be keenly watching for any official pronouncements or shifts in leadership dynamics within the coming days.

L-R: Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, President Bola Tinubu and Hon. Mojisola Meranda. [X, formerly Twitter]

Neither the lawmakers nor the Presidency has issued an official statement regarding the outcome of the meeting.

BREAKING: Tinubu holds closed-door meeting with Obasa, Meranda, other Lagos lawmakers

<h2>Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has reassumed his position following a leadership reshuffle that saw his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, resign from the seat.</h2>

During a plenary session on Monday, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-obasa-returns-as-speaker-of-lagos-house-of-assembly-2025030315084176770">Obasa expressed gratitude to Meranda</a>, key party leaders, and his fellow lawmakers for their support during his battle to reclaim the speakership.

“I want to start by appreciating my colleagues for their support, dedication, and loyalty,” Obasa said. “Let me single out my sister, the deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, who has been supportive and loyal.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Speaker Mudashiru Obasa expresses his gratitude to Bisi Akande, Olusegun Osoba, and the leaders of the GAC for their support in facilitating his return, as he announced the indefinite adjournment of the Assembly. <a href="https://t.co/AxKdaSglxZ">pic.twitter.com/AxKdaSglxZ</a>&mdash; GoldMyneTV (@GoldmyneTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldmyneTV/status/1896634542968201512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Obasa was impeached in January over allegations of misappropriation, with Meranda sworn in as his replacement.

However, he insisted the process was unlawful and, in February, dramatically returned to the Assembly, forcing his way into the Speaker’s office and declaring himself reinstated.

A turning point came when Obasa, Meranda, and other lawmakers held a closed-door meeting outside the Assembly complex.

Following the discussions, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-meranda-resigns-as-speaker-of-the-lagos-house-of-assembly-2025030315041898731">Meranda stepped down</a>, paving the way for Obasa’s official reinstatement.

Obasa also thanked prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former Osun and Ogun State governors, Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, as well as the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) leaders, for facilitating his return.

“What is happening here today shows that the Lagos Assembly is mature and has internal mechanisms to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party,” he said.

With Obasa back at the helm, the political landscape within the Lagos Assembly is set for renewed direction.

Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa. [Facebook]

Obasa was impeached in January over allegations of misappropriation, with Meranda sworn in as his replacement.

VIDEO: Obasa takes crucial action after re-emerging Lagos Assembly Speaker

<h2>The Lagos State House of Assembly witnessed an emotional session on Monday as Mojisola Meranda resigned as speaker after just 49 days in office.</h2>

Her departure saw Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere Constituency II, moved to tears while attempting to commend her for her service.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In a heart-wrenching display of emotion at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot was unable to contain his tears as lawmakers gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Hon. Mojisola Meranda, their esteemed Speaker. <a href="https://t.co/R2NKHztU20">pic.twitter.com/R2NKHztU20</a>&mdash; Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imranmuhdz/status/1896562711443685415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meranda, who made history as the first female speaker of the assembly, assumed office on January 13 following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa.

However, her tenure faced mounting pressure, culminating in her decision to step down.

"This is a notice of resignation as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly," Meranda announced solemnly<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-meranda-resigns-as-speaker-of-the-lagos-house-of-assembly-2025030315041898731"> while reading her resignation letter</a> during a special plenary session.

Her resignation paved the way for Obasa’s return, ending a period of division within the legislative chamber.

Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his removal, had refused to recognise the process and stormed the assembly last Thursday, declaring himself speaker.

Impeached Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa. [Facebook]

Following Meranda’s resignation, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-obasa-returns-as-speaker-of-lagos-house-of-assembly-2025030315084176770">Obasa was renominated and reinstated,</a> bringing an end to the political standoff.

Elliot, clearly overwhelmed with emotion, struggled to deliver his remarks during the session.

"Madam Speaker, can I allow others to speak first?" the visibly teary lawmaker asked, drawing sympathetic reactions from colleagues.

The drama at the Lagos Assembly underscores the high stakes of legislative leadership in the state, with Meranda’s brief tenure marking a historic yet tumultuous chapter in the assembly’s history.

Following Meranda’s resignation, Obasa was renominated and reinstated, bringing an end to the political standoff.

VIDEO: Desmond Elliot weeps as Meranda bows to Obasa's pressure

Ifeduyi Oyesanmi

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/search-results?keywords=Meranda">Mojisola Meranda</a> has resigned as Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly.

The 44-year-old resigned on Monday during a special plenary session.

<blockquote>This is a notice of resignation as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,</blockquote>

This follows widespread speculation that ousted speaker, Mudashiru Obasa is set to return to the Assembly's apex position.

The former speaker was re-elected as deputy speaker of the house.

Last week, Meranda was <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-return-looms-as-merandas-security-aides-are-withdrawn-2025022712133515561">“unofficially” ousted from the Speaker’s seat</a> during a meeting held by All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meranda's security details entitled to her as speaker were subsequently removed. Conversely, Obasa's security details were restored.

Meranda's reign as the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-lagos-assembly-swears-in-first-female-speaker-mojisola-meranda-2025011314151030885">first female speaker of the Lagos Assembly</a> lasted just 49 days.

In her resignation speech, Meranda noted that the party's decision is "supreme" and she is acceding to "avoid further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment."

<blockquote>I will never stray from the well-established path of honour and dignity exemplified by my late father, the past Ojora of Lagos,” Meranda said.It is with full awareness of my resolve that I announce my decision to resign as speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, effective March 3, 2025.This decision was not made lightly; it came after careful deliberation, fully aware of the intrigues surrounding my election as speaker. We are the representatives of the good people of Lagos, entrusted with a mandate to protect our democracy.I have chosen to resign to uphold the integrity of this institution. I made history as the first female speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly and deeply cherished the solidarity freely offered to me during my tenure.I am sincerely grateful to each of you for your unwavering support throughout my brief time in office. As I step down from the position of speaker, I remain committed to serving the people of Apapa 1 constituency.I am not a quitter; I have taken this step to avoid further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.The party’s decision is supreme, and at this juncture, I take a bow as speaker. Thank you all.</blockquote>

Obasa's return imminent as Meranda is re-elected Deputy Speaker.

BREAKING! Meranda resigns as speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly

News Agency Of Nigeria

The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely indefinitely, to prevent potential violence from the ongoing leadership crisis.

The directive, issued by Acting Clerk, Mr Babatunde Ottun, was communicated in a memo to all staff in Lagos on Sunday.

The memo is titled ‘Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crisis began after 32 lawmakers removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko in January.

Obasa was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, as the new Speaker.

The crisis intensified on Feb. 17 when DSS operatives sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing a plenary session.

In spite of this, lawmakers forced their way into the chambers, held a session, and adjourned indefinitely, declaring a vote of confidence in Meranda.

Meanwhile, three Assembly staff members face trial for allegedly assaulting DSS operatives during the standoff.

Obasa rejected his removal as unconstitutional. On Feb. 27, he stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office.

He resumed duties, and his supporters also besieged the Assembly, demanding his reinstatement.

Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The Ikeja Court will hear the case on Friday.

In spite of the ongoing crisis, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, recognised the leadership change and urged staff to support the new Speaker and Acting Clerk.

Ottun explained that the directive aims to ensure staff safety and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He said, “This directive is necessary pending the resolution of the leadership dispute.

“All staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely until further notice.”

Ottun assured staff of Speaker Meranda’s commitment to their safety and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Obasa rejected his removal as unconstitutional. On Feb. 27, he stormed the Assembly complex with heavy security, allegedly breaking into the Speaker’s office.

Obasa/Meranda Saga: Lagos Assembly directs staff to work remotely

<h2>The Lagos State Police Command has restored security aides to Speaker Mojisola Meranda after an initial withdrawal that sparked political controversy.</h2>

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-return-looms-as-merandas-security-aides-are-withdrawn-2025022712133515561">clarified that the withdrawal </a>was part of a routine police audit aimed at ensuring accountability among officers.

“The ongoing police personnel audit is done in the public interest and not with any consideration except for the safety of everyone in the state,” Jimoh said at a press briefing on Thursday, February 27.

However, the withdrawal had raised concerns over possible political interference or gender bias, given Meranda’s position as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

A high-ranking assembly official dismissed any suggestion that Meranda’s leadership lacked legitimacy.

“Let people know that this woman did not impose herself on the Lagos House of Assembly. She was elected by 33 out of 40 lawmakers—an overwhelming majority,” the official stated.

<h2>Obasa Declares Himself Speaker as Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens</h2>

Meanwhile, Mudashiru Obasa, who was impeached as Speaker on January 13, made <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasa-lagos-assembly-speaker-return-2025022714543028744">a dramatic return to the assembly complex</a> with his security details intact.

Obasa has continued to challenge his removal, claiming due process was not followed.

Despite the presence of all 40 lawmakers at the assembly, only four attended a controversial “plenary session” presided over by Obasa.

The unfolding power struggle in the Lagos State Assembly signals heightened political tension, with both factions holding firm to their claims of legitimacy.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda

The Lagos State Police Command has restored security aides to Speaker Mojisola Meranda after an initial withdrawal that sparked political controversy.

Lagos Speaker Meranda’s security restored amid assembly power tussle

Nurudeen Shotayo

The Lagos State House of Assembly lawmakers have rejected Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted speaker, and insisted that Mojisola Meranda remains the recognised speaker.

The lawmakers made this known when speaking to journalists at the assembly complex on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

This followed an earlier development: Obasa, accompanied by security operatives, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasa-lagos-assembly-speaker-return-2025022714543028744">made a dramatic return to the House</a> to reclaim his seat.

His arrival followed a series of manoeuvring, including the sudden <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-return-looms-as-merandas-security-aides-are-withdrawn-2025022712133515561">withdrawal of security details</a> attached to the new Speaker, which raised speculation about a potential power shift.

Obasa reportedly later conducted a plenary with only four lawmakers in attendance and adjourned the session sine die.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-removal-division-in-lagos-apc-gac-holds-emergency-meeting-2025020310340869698">Obasa’s removal sparks division in Lagos APC as GAC holds emergency meeting</a>

<h3 style="text-align: start">Lagos lawmakers reject Obasa</h3>

However, reacting to the development, the pro-Meranda lawmakers expressed surprise at the turn of events and called on the leadership of the Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos to intervene in the crisis.

A member representing the Oshodi-Isolo constituency, Stephen Ogundipe, spoke on his colleague's behalf and stressed that the leadership needs to communicate their stance to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

“We were approached by our leaders that we should remain calm and take things easy. But we are surprised to see what is happening here today,” he said.

“We won’t take laws into our hands, just as we told the staff not to take laws into our hands. But we all belong to different constituencies, and we have our mandate. Whatever has to happen, the leadership should speak with us and not this charade we are seeing.

“We are not happy; we have been law-abiding. We have not gone out of our way against the state.

“We also want to be respected, to be given our dignity. To be shown that we are elected. I’m appealing to the leadership of our party that we cannot continue this way,” Ogundipe added.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/lagos-speaker-moji-meranda-face-resignation-as-dss-seals-office-2025021714083229393">Lagos Speaker, Moji Meranda 'faces resignation' as DSS seals office</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Obasa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Obasa</a>&#39;Return: Supporters of Mudashiru Obasa gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly gate, chanting slogans in support of his return as Speaker. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YorubaDun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YorubaDun</a> | NNPCL | Obasa | Congratulations Annie | IT HAS BEEN REVERSED | Amin <a href="https://t.co/z3cFh8Agxl">pic.twitter.com/z3cFh8Agxl</a>&mdash; LAGOS EYE NEWS (@LAGOSEYENEWS) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGOSEYENEWS/status/1895091380243849340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meranda remains our Speaker - Lagos lawmakers reject Obasa after latest twist

Obasa reportedly forcefully entered the Speaker's office and later conducted plenary on Thursday, adding a new twist to the Lagos Assembly crisis.

Meranda remains our Speaker - New twist emerges as lawmakers react to Obasa’s return

Ousted speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa is set to return.&nbsp;

According to Daily Trust, the 52-year-old has had security details due to him as speaker restored, conversely, the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/assembly-naked-and-vulnerable-as-merandas-security-details-withdrawn-aide-2025022711523053536">current speaker Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has had hers withdrawn</a>.&nbsp;

Meranda was reportedly “unofficially” ousted from the Speaker’s seat during a meeting held by All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Present at the crisis management meeting were Former National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Muiz Banire; members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) among others.&nbsp;

Meranda was reportedly asked to vacate her seat for Obasa at the meeting.&nbsp;

It is widely believed that Obasa might return as the Speaker soon.&nbsp;

READ ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-removal-division-in-lagos-apc-gac-holds-emergency-meeting-2025020310340869698">Obasa’s removal sparks division in Lagos APC as GAC holds emergency meeting</a>

The 44-year-old succeeded Obasa following his impeachment, to become the first female speaker of the house.

&ldquo;In truth, what they said was that Obasa&rsquo;s removal was illegal and the lawmakers were directed at the meeting to go and return him,&rdquo; a source reportedly said.

Following his impeachment, Obasa filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, against Meranda challenging the legality of his removal.

Earlier this month, chaos broke out after the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/lagos-speaker-moji-meranda-face-resignation-as-dss-seals-office-2025021714083229393">DSS stormed the premises of the House at Alausa, Ikeja, and environs.</a>

Some lawmakers have expressed their continued support for Meranda.

Meranda was reportedly asked to vacate her seat for Obasa at an APC leadership meeting. 

Obasa's return looms, as Meranda's security aides reportedly withdrawn

D.O. Akintoye

Per reports, the new Speaker of The Lagos state Assembly may resign from office.

This development ensued as the Directorate of State Security stormed her office, sealing it in the process.&nbsp;

Sources say heavily armed men of the DSS have taken over the premises of the House at Alausa, Ikeja, and environs.

This comes weeks after <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-lagos-assembly-swears-in-first-female-speaker-mojisola-meranda-2025011314151030885">Moji Meranda succeeded the former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa</a> who the house members unanimously impeached but the latter has refused to bow out without giving it a fight.

There are strong indications that Obasa could return as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Tension remains high in the Assembly as security agents not only sealed off the Speaker&rsquo;s office but along with the offices of the deputy speaker, and the clerk of the House. As of the time of this report, the day&rsquo;s plenary session had not started.

The crisis in the Assembly began after Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13 over allegations of corruption and abuse of office. However, the situation has not settled, as Obasa has now taken legal action to challenge his removal.

On February 12, 2025, Obasa filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court, naming the Lagos State House of Assembly and current Speaker Meranda as defendants. His legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), is seeking a court ruling to expedite the case and determine the legality of his removal.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos remains divided over the leadership tussle.&nbsp;

The party&rsquo;s highest decision-making body, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), recently held a marathon meeting to discuss the situation, amid reports that plans may be underway to reinstate Obasa as Speaker.

The political standoff continues, with no clear resolution in sight.

RELATED: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-removal-division-in-lagos-apc-gac-holds-emergency-meeting-2025020310340869698">Obasa’s removal sparks division in Lagos APC as GAC holds emergency meeting</a>

Obasa may yet return as speaker of the Lagos assembly

Lagos Speaker, Moji Meranda 'faces resignation' as DSS seals office

The Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, thanked her colleagues for their consistent support since she took charge of the House on Friday and promised not to disappoint them.

Meranda gave the assurance when a delegation from WOMANIFESTO, a rights group, paid her a courtesy visit at the Assembly complex on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WOMANIFESTO, a group advocating women’s rights, has over 30 women activists as members.

NAN recalls that Meranda became the speaker on Jan. 13, following the House's impeachment of the immediate past speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, for alleged misconduct and other allegations.

Meranda (APC-Apapa 1) said it was an honour to be entrusted with leading the House and promised to discharge her duties diligently.

She said, “I sincerely appreciate my colleagues' belief in me and their support over the past few weeks. As I have always said, I have promised myself not to disappoint them.

“There is a saying that if you empower a woman, you empower a nation. I believe my colleagues made the right decision in electing me to lead them.

“I want this delegation to help me appreciate them because, in this 10th Assembly, we are only four women among 36 men. For them to have entrusted me with this leadership role, I am truly grateful.”

The speaker, a three-term lawmaker, emphasised the significance of women’s empowerment and urged the group to partner with the Assembly on women's empowerment.

The speaker also thanked the delegation for the show of love and support, saying this was not just about her but about their gender as a whole.

Meranda urged the delegation to stay in touch, saying that whatever ideas they had to improve the lives of Nigerians—especially women and the girl child—would be welcomed

.Earlier, the WOMANIFESTO Convener, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said the group was at the Assembly to congratulate her on her historic emergence as the first female speaker.

Akiyode-Afolabi urged the speaker not to let down the womenfolk and the state.

She said the group was ready to collaborate with the Assembly to advance policies benefiting Nigerian women and girls.

Also speaking, Ganiyu Sanni, the lawmaker representing Kosofe 1, commended the WOMANIFESTO delegation and urged them to support Meranda’s leadership.

Sanni said the Assembly upholds high standards, and those standards will be met, especially now that they have “a strong character and vast experience” leading them and are well-prepared for the task ahead. However, she needed support."

Mrs Mojisola Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

Meranda (APC-Apapa 1) said it was an honour to be entrusted with leading the House and promised to discharge her duties diligently.

I won’t disappoint you - Obasa's replacement Meranda assures colleagues

<h2>A group of 20 lawmakers from Lagos West have reaffirmed their support for Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. </h2>

Following the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) meeting, they rejected calls for a leadership shift.

The meeting, chaired by GAC leader Pa Tajudeen Olusi, sought to <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/obasas-removal-division-in-lagos-apc-gac-holds-emergency-meeting-2025020310340869698">address the leadership crisis</a> triggered by the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Lagos State Assembly lawmakers. [Facebook]

Obasa was ousted in absentia on January 13, 2025, after <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-mudashiru-obasa-impeached-as-speaker-months-after-eyeing-lagos-governorship-seat-2025011312400301762">32 out of 40 Assembly members accused him of financial misappropriation, </a>misconduct, and high-handedness.

Meranda, his deputy at the time, was subsequently installed as Speaker.

The controversy has since divided GAC members, with some supporting Obasa’s reinstatement and others backing the Assembly’s decision.

A key issue at Monday’s meeting was regional balance.

Some GAC members argued that since both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda are from Lagos Central, the Speakership should be ceded to Lagos West.

However, lawmakers from Lagos West resisted this move, insisting Meranda should remain.

“The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The discussions mainly focused on balancing the leadership between senatorial districts,” a source at the meeting disclosed.

L-R: President Bola Tinubu and Mudashiru Obasa. [Facebook/Getty Images]

Despite reported backing from influential figures within the Tinubu political camp, Obasa’s bid to reclaim the speakership did not gain traction.

With the majority of lawmakers maintaining their stance, Meranda’s leadership remains intact, leaving Obasa’s political future uncertain.

With the majority of lawmakers maintaining their stance, Meranda’s leadership remains intact, leaving Obasa’s political future uncertain.

Obasa’s comeback bid fails as Lagos lawmakers stand firm behind Meranda

<h2>Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, officially assumed her role amid tight security at the assembly complex on Monday, January 27.</h2>

The development follows the controversial removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by 32 of the 39 Assembly members two weeks ago.

The assembly premises were heavily guarded, with security personnel screening all entries. At least three police vehicles were stationed outside, while additional security units were deployed within the complex.

Observers suggest <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/imminent-drama-as-obasa-moves-to-resume-as-lagos-speaker-today-2025012705485367546">the heightened measures reflect ongoing tensions, </a>as Obasa, currently abroad, has vowed to challenge the leadership change.

“I remain the Speaker until the right thing has been done,” he asserted in a statement last week.

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

<a href="undefined" target="_self">Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the newly elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly</a>

Monday’s plenary session, the third presided over by Meranda since her election proceeded without disruptions.

However,<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/breaking-mudashiru-obasa-impeached-as-speaker-months-after-eyeing-lagos-governorship-seat-2025011312400301762"> Obasa’s absence at all sessions </a>since his removal underscores the division within the assembly.

The leadership tussle stems from allegations of procedural violations during Obasa’s ousting, a claim he has promised to address upon his return.

Meanwhile, Meranda has maintained her focus on legislative duties.

“We are here to serve the people of Lagos and will not be distracted by disagreements,” she stated.

The political showdown has captured public interest, with many questioning the assembly’s unity amid its critical legislative responsibilities.

Security around the assembly is expected to remain heightened until the situation stabilises.

The political showdown has captured public interest, with many questioning the assembly’s unity amid its critical legislative responsibilities.

PHOTOS: Mojisola Meranda officially takes charge as Lagos Assembly Speaker amid security lockdown

<h2>The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has yet to vacate the official residence and office designated for the Speaker despite being replaced by Mojisola Meranda.</h2>

Obasa, who was removed from office while away in the United States, has claimed his impeachment was unconstitutional.

However, lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly maintain that the decision was legitimate, supported by 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/imminent-drama-as-obasa-moves-to-resume-as-lagos-speaker-today-2025012705485367546">READ ALSO: Imminent drama as Obasa moves to resume as Lagos Speaker today</a>

A source within the Assembly disclosed that Obasa’s aides have already vacated the premises but confirmed that the former Speaker himself remains in the official quarters.

“Things will be sorted out administratively,” the source remarked.

Obasa’s impeachment and the subsequent power shift highlight a significant moment in Lagos State politics, with many watching how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks.

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