Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have apologized to President Bola Tinubu for attempting to remove the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The apology came after an emergency meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Lagos House, Marina, on Monday night.
Tinubu Opposes Obasa’s Impeachment
The meeting, which was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, was held to address the political crisis that erupted after Obasa’s removal. A source at the meeting revealed that President Tinubu was displeased with the impeachment process and insisted it be reversed.
“The President made it clear that Obasa should be reinstated. He believes the removal was done without proper consultation and could lead to instability in the state,” a source disclosed.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by a majority of the lawmakers over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. He was replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, but the decision quickly became a source of division within the Lagos APC.
Lawmakers Directed to Write Apology Letters
At the GAC meeting, the lawmakers were ordered to write two apology letters to President Tinubu.
“The first letter was an apology for impeaching Obasa without informing party leaders. The lawmakers promised to commute his removal to resignation,” the source said.
The second letter, written by lawmakers from Lagos West, informed the President that they had accepted Mojisola Meranda as the Speaker and were willing to let her complete her term. Out of 20 lawmakers from Lagos West, 17 signed the letter.
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APC Leaders Divided Over Obasa’s Reinstatement
The impeachment of Obasa sparked internal conflicts within the Lagos APC, with some GAC members criticizing the move. Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo opposed the impeachment, calling it illegal and a disregard for party leadership.
However, their position was dismissed by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, another GAC member, who described their comments as childish and inconsequential. He urged party leaders to avoid making hasty public statements on the matter.
Despite the controversy, sources confirmed that President Tinubu had already instructed the Assembly to prepare for Obasa’s reinstatement.
“The President wants Obasa to return, but only for a short time before resigning on his own terms,” a senior Lagos politician said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu Secretly Opposes Tinubu’s Order
While Governor Sanwo-Olu publicly appears to support the President’s directive, insiders claim he is secretly resisting Obasa’s reinstatement.
“Sanwo-Olu does not agree with Obasa’s return, but he does not want to be seen openly opposing Tinubu,” a source said.
The governor reportedly met with some party members on Sunday and encouraged them to resist efforts to reinstate the former Speaker.
Protests Erupt Against Obasa’s Return
As tensions continue, protests have erupted on Lagos Island, where Speaker Meranda comes from. The demonstrations are reportedly supported by influential Lagosians who want the status quo maintained.
“They are uncomfortable with Tinubu’s directive and are doing everything possible to block Obasa’s reinstatement, whether fairly or unfairly,” a political insider revealed.
Meanwhile, another meeting involving GAC members, APC stakeholders, and Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to take place soon to discuss Tinubu’s response to the apology letters.