The embattled Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has dismissed reports of his removal, insisting that he remains the Speaker and that there is no crisis in the Assembly.
In an interview with TVC, monitored by our correspondent, Obasa rejected claims that he resigned from his position, stating that due process was not followed in the purported election of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker.
He emphasized, “I still remain the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. When I became Speaker for the third time, all my colleagues supported me. In the Lagos State House of Assembly, we are law-abiding. If we make laws for Lagosians, we should be able to respect our laws and rules.”
Disputed Leadership
Obasa questioned the legitimacy of Meranda’s election, saying it did not follow the proper constitutional process.
He asked, “How was she elected? On what basis? How? By breaking into the chambers? By breaking into the mace room? Without writing to the Speaker—myself?
“I don’t want to discuss this further, but the 40 of us are still together as colleagues and representatives of the people.”
He also dismissed reports that most lawmakers no longer support him, saying, “I have not heard that, and I am not contesting anything against them. They remain my colleagues.”
Plenary Controversy
Obasa confirmed that a plenary session was held, but he declined to specify how many lawmakers attended, amid reports that only four members were present.
He asked, “You cannot force people into plenary, but if they say only four attended, where are the rest? The most important thing is that we held our plenary and adjourned indefinitely. If you want to know the number of people present, we will make it public soon.”
Denies Crisis in APC
Obasa also rejected claims that the leadership dispute had further divided the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
He said, “Our party is not divided. We are together under the chairmanship of Cornelius Ojelabi and the guidance of our leaders in the Governance Advisory Council (GAC). There is no division in Lagos APC.”
He also dismissed speculation that his leadership troubles were linked to his alleged 2027 governorship ambition.
Obasa said, “There is no crisis in the House of Assembly. Minor misunderstandings happen in every family, but we are okay. And as for governorship, I have said before that it is not in my consideration. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu still has about two and a half years left, so why would a reasonable person be thinking about that now?”
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Responds to Criticism
Reacting to accusations that he ruled the Assembly with an “iron fist,” Obasa dismissed the claim.
He asked, “In a democratic setting, is it possible to have an emperor? People always talk, but facts are what matter.”
On allegations that he denied lawmakers their entitlements, including official vehicles, he declined to go into details.
“I have been Speaker since 2015 and joined the House in 2003. Is it possible to change a system that has been instituted?” he asked. “All these things cannot be verified, so we should not dwell on them.”
Security and Party Leadership’s Role
There have been reports that security details assigned to Meranda were withdrawn, while Obasa’s were restored. However, Obasa claimed he had no details about that.
“I heard that, but I don’t really know because I have not seen her,” he said.
Regarding the stance of the party’s leadership on the crisis, Obasa said the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and APC leaders were working to resolve the issue.
“They are our leaders, and they are playing their role in finding lasting peace,” he said. When asked if the party supported his position or Meranda’s, he responded, “Have you heard or read anywhere that they denied me as Speaker?”
What Happens Next?
With both Obasa and Meranda claiming the Speaker’s seat, uncertainty looms over when the Assembly will resume normal activities.
Obasa maintained that plenary was adjourned indefinitely but could reconvene at any time.
He said, “When you adjourn sine die, it can be tomorrow, next week, or in two weeks. The House has the flexibility to reconvene whenever necessary.”
For now, the Lagos Assembly remains in limbo as both factions await the next move from the APC leadership.