The embattled Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has defended his decision to preside over a plenary session with only four lawmakers in attendance, insisting that he cannot compel members to participate.
Speaking on TVC amid growing concerns over the legitimacy of the session, Obasa stated, “I can’t force people to attend plenary. How many of them were present? If they say four, the most important thing is that we held the session.”
The Lagos Assembly, which consists of 40 lawmakers, witnessed a significant number of members absent during the plenary on Thursday, despite being present at the complex.
Obasa, who was recently removed as Speaker by some lawmakers, maintained that he remains in charge of the Assembly. He also questioned the legitimacy of Mojisola Meranda’s emergence as Speaker, alleging that due process was not followed.
“How was Mojisola Meranda elected as Speaker? By breaking into the chambers?” he asked.
While acknowledging that a Speaker can be removed, Obasa stressed that it must be done in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“I want to believe that we are law-abiding. I’m not against removal, as they call it impeachment, but if you’re going to remove somebody, you must comply with the constitution,” he said.
Addressing concerns over divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Obasa dismissed speculations of a rift, stating that the party remains united under its leadership.
“The APC is one family in Lagos, under the same roof. Our party is not divided under the chairmanship of Cornelius Ojelabi and our leaders in the GAC,” he asserted.
He also downplayed suggestions that the Assembly crisis was linked to the 2027 governorship race.
“This issue has nothing to do with governorship ambition. Sanwo-Olu is doing well; no reasonable person should be thinking of governorship now. Sanwo-Olu has two more years,” he said.
Despite his assertions, the ongoing power struggle in the Lagos Assembly continues to raise concerns about political stability in the state.
