For the first time since his controversial removal as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, Mudashiru Obasa returned to the Assembly complex on Thursday, where he presided over a plenary session with only four lawmakers in attendance. His reappearance has deepened the ongoing leadership crisis within the 40-member House.
Obasa return follows weeks of political maneuvering and legal disputes over his removal and the emergence of Honourable Mojisola Meranda as Speaker. His reentry into the Assembly was met with resistance, raising questions about the legitimacy of his leadership and the ongoing power struggle.
I Was Never Removed~Obasa
Speaking on Channels Television Politics, Obasa dismissed claims that he forced his way back into the Speaker’s office. “Forced? I am surprised at how you arrived at the word,he said. Is it possible to force yourself into an institution of so many people and security personnel?
Obasa insists that he remains the legitimate Speaker, arguing that due process was not followed in his purported removal. “I have always said that I have never been removed from office, and I am not against removal. But if you are going to do that, you must follow the rules of the House,he stated.
He alleged that his removal was orchestrated through an irregular process, emphasizing that reconvening the Assembly must go through the Majority Leader, the Clerk, and the Speaker. If you have not done that, it does not matter the forgery you are trying to perpetrate. It is about what we have on the ground,he maintained.
Political Undertones and Power Play
Obasa dismissed speculations that his removal had political undertones or was linked to an ambition to become the governor of Lagos State. It is not a sin to have ambition,he said, while maintaining that he never disrespected Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
When asked about allegations of high-handedness and financial mismanagement leveled against him, Obasa challenged his accusers to present evidence.If I am lying, the bank cannot lie. There is also the Freedom of Information Act. Anybody can approach the bank or the account department of the House to seek clarification, he said.
Obasa also denied having the backing of President Bola Tinubu, saying, The President has more than enough on his table to take care of than to tinker with the problem of Lagos State House of Assembly.
Court Battles and Legislative Uncertainty
While acknowledging that a case was in court, Obasa downplayed its significance, stating that it had nothing to do with removal. He also defended the reinstatement of the Clerk of the House, attributing it to a court ruling. A pronouncement was made by the court. His removal was done illegally without following due process,he said.
His return, however, raises concerns about the stability of the Assembly, especially as most lawmakers have distanced themselves from him. You cannot force a woman to be your wife. It is a matter of choice, he remarked, when asked how he intends to lead a House that no longer supports him.
What Next for the Lagos Assembly?
Obasa’s return has further complicated the crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly. His insistence on remaining Speaker despite opposition from a majority of lawmakers raises questions about the legality of his actions and the future of the Assembly’s leadership.
With tensions still high and uncertainty looming over the legislative chamber, all eyes remain on how the political drama in Lagos will unfold in the coming weeks.
