By Seyi Odewale
The Lagos State House of Assembly has again become the epicenter of intense political maneuvering as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa dramatically returns to power.
Speaker Mojisola Meranda succumbed to mounting political pressure and tendered her resignation, paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement.
The development has reignited discussions on the power dynamics within the ruling party and the growing influence of political heavyweights in the state legislature.
Obasa’s re-election followed the nomination by Noheem Adams, the former Majority Leader of the House who represents Eti-Osa Constituency 1.
Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency I in the House, subsequently took the oath of office as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly seven weeks after his removal.
The leadership crisis in the Assembly started on January 13, 2025, when Obasa was removed as Lagos speaker by more than two-thirds of the 40-member House, who voted him out over alleged misconduct and sundry offenses.
Obasa’s then-deputy, Meranda, was immediately elected the new Speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the South-West state.
However, upon reinstatement yesterday, Obasa thanked the party’s leadership, including former governors Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba.
He said, “Today is not the day for speech making but to appreciate our colleagues who have put a lot into this gathering today,
“I thank the party leaders here today, and special thanks to Bisi Akande, former Osun governor, and Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun.
“We have resolved and determined to serve and protect the interest of Lagosians. Today, the House is mature and has internal mechanisms to resolve issues. Today is not the day for speech-making, but to thank my colleagues for everything.”
Earlier, Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, announced her resignation at the plenary, after which lawmakers immediately re-elected her as the Assembly’s deputy speaker.
The lawmakers commended her leadership style and for bringing peace to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
They also commended her strength and humility for obeying the APC rules and regulations.
Meranda’s resignation followed a reported meeting with some high-ranking members of the APC in the state to navigate the leadership crisis that has rocked the hallowed chambers in the last seven weeks.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mojeed Fatai, who represents Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I, announced his resignation as the deputy speaker of the House.
Fatai said his resignation was in the interest of the House. He was immediately re-elected as the Chief Whip of the Assembly.
Setonji David, the Chief Whip of the Assembly, who represents Badagry constituency II, also resigned and was re-elected as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House.
A member of the House from Kosofe Constituency I, Okanlawon Sanni, also tendered his resignation as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House.
*APC elders brokered deal to maintain party cohesion ahead of 2027
Earlier yesterday, the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cornelius Ojelabi, met with Meranda and Obasa to discuss ending the festering crisis.
Both pro-Obasa lawmakers and those who had pledged support for Meranda attended the meeting.
Announcing her resignation, Meranda said she was not a quitter but decided to end the House crisis and save the Assembly embarrassment.
Obasa’s return is seen as a product of high-stakes politicking, with key political actors and stakeholders playing significant roles behind the scenes.
Sources reveal that intense lobbying and negotiations occurred before Meranda’s eventual resignation, as party leadership sought to resolve internal discord and maintain stability within the legislative arm.
The unfolding drama highlights the deep-rooted power struggles that often shape the Assembly’s leadership, where loyalty, influence, and strategic alliances dictate who holds the reins.
With Obasa back at the helm, attention now shifts to the impact of his return on legislative proceedings and governance in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 election.
Analysts suggest that his reinstatement could signal continuity in legislative policies, while others argue that it exposes internal party fissures that may have long-term implications.
As the dust settles, political watchers will keenly observe how Obasa navigates the challenges ahead and consolidates his authority in the Assembly once more.
