Obasa Resumes as Speaker Amid Growing Chaos in Lagos Assembly; Meranda Absent, Staff Abandon Offices The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa forcibly resumed his position, despite his removal on January 13, 2025. Obasa’s unexpected return threw the Assembly into disarray, with staff abandoning their offices in the wake of the chaos.
Around 11:30 AM, Obasa, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, made his way into the Assembly complex. The absence of current Speaker Mojisola Meranda only heightened tensions, as reports suggest she did not show up for work on that day. Obasa reportedly broke into the Speaker’s office, declaring, “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” further fueling the already volatile situation.
A broader context
Having served in the legislative chamber since 2007, Obasa had established himself as a dominant figure in the assembly. His tenure as Speaker, which began in June 2015, lasted nearly a decade before coming to an abrupt end in January 2025.
The leadership transition was marked by controversy, as more than two-thirds of the house voted to remove Obasa over allegations of misconduct and various offenses. This significant shift in power led to the election of his then-deputy, Mojisola Meranda, as the new Speaker. Her appointment made history, as she became the first woman to lead the legislative body in the South-West region.
Despite his removal, Obasa’s supporters refused to accept the leadership change. On Thursday, he made a dramatic return to the Assembly Complex, his first appearance since his ousting. Security was heightened, with stern-looking armed personnel escorting him into the hallowed chambers, highlighting the gravity of the political standoff.
Outside the complex, Obasa’s loyalists gathered in defiance, chanting and cheering for their embattled leader. The atmosphere was tense, as his supporters demonstrated their commitment to reinstating him.
Meanwhile, lawmakers loyal to Meranda stood their ground, rejecting any claims of Obasa’s return to power. They insisted that Meranda remained the legitimate Speaker and dismissed any suggestion that the former Speaker had been reinstated.
Amid the growing tensions, Obasa addressed reporters, maintaining that he had never been removed. He acknowledged that impeachment or removal was a democratic and constitutional process but insisted that due process must be followed. According to him, any attempt to remove a leader outside of the legal framework was undemocratic.
The battle for control of the assembly remains fierce, with Obasa and Meranda leading opposing factions. As the power struggle continues, the future of the legislative body hangs in the balance, with both sides refusing to back down.
