Tinubu Resolves Lagos Assembly Crisis, Backs Obasa As Speaker

President Intervenes to Restore Stability in Lagos Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has successfully mediated the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, reaffirming his support for Mudashiru Obasa to retain his position as Speaker. This resolution comes despite earlier recommendations by a reconciliation panel that Obasa should step down to restore political balance.

The crisis, which began with Obasa’s impeachment in January 2025, was addressed in a crucial meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by all 40 Lagos lawmakers, ended with a directive from Tinubu that lawmakers should work together to ensure stability in the state legislature.

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Obasa’s Controversial Return and Defiance of Agreement

The leadership struggle started when 35 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa as Speaker on January 13, 2025, accusing him of authoritarian leadership, financial misappropriation, and high-handedness. Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda was elected as Speaker.

To resolve the impasse, a panel led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Chief Gbenga Daniel, alongside the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), recommended a power-sharing agreement. According to the deal, Meranda was to resign to reinstate Obasa, but Obasa was expected to step down shortly afterward to allow a new Speaker from Lagos West to emerge.

On March 3, 2025, Meranda honored the agreement by resigning and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker, allowing Obasa to return as Speaker. However, contrary to expectations, Obasa refused to step down and instead adjourned the Assembly indefinitely, disregarding the panel’s recommendations.

Tinubu’s Final Peace Deal

On Wednesday, the Lagos lawmakers arrived at the Presidential Villa for a closed-door meeting with Tinubu. According to a presidency official who spoke anonymously, Tinubu directly addressed the lawmakers’ grievances and brokered a final resolution.

“Tinubu met the lawmakers behind closed doors. They spoke on their grievances, and the President has resolved the problems. With this development, Obasa will stay as Speaker, and his position is no longer under threat. All lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” the source said.

Following the meeting, the lawmakers had a photo session with the President, signaling a unified front moving forward.

Withdrawal of Court Case and Ongoing Reconciliation

A key condition of the peace deal is that Obasa must withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court. Tinubu also directed lawmakers to drop any legal actions against each other to foster unity in the House.

“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and Obasa should also withdraw the case against Meranda and the lawmakers in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this,” a source close to Obasa revealed.

Despite this resolution, some stakeholders are reportedly dissatisfied with Obasa’s refusal to step down as initially agreed. However, Tinubu is expected to engage all aggrieved parties to prevent further division within the Assembly.

Implications for Lagos Politics

Tinubu’s intervention reinforces his influence over Lagos politics and the APC structure in the state. While this move has temporarily stabilized the Assembly, it remains to be seen whether tensions will resurface in the coming months.

For now, Obasa retains his position as Speaker, and the Lagos Assembly is expected to resume legislative duties under his leadership.