Mudashiru Obasa has been reinstated as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, marking a dramatic turn of events in the state’s legislative leadership.
He was sworn in on Monday following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down as Speaker after 49 days in office but was immediately re-elected as Deputy Speaker.
Obasa’s return comes after weeks of internal political maneuvering within the Assembly. Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, initially took over as Speaker on January 13, 2025, following the impeachment of Obasa over allegations of misconduct. With over two-thirds of the 40-member House voting in favor of his removal, she became the first female Speaker in Lagos history.
However, the crisis deepened when Obasa rejected his impeachment, arguing that it was conducted irregularly while he was out of the country. His dramatic return to the Assembly on February 27, 2025, escorted by armed security personnel, further fueled tensions as he insisted he remained the rightful Speaker.
Sources indicate that Meranda’s resignation followed a high-level intervention by influential figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC). A series of closed-door meetings reportedly convinced her to step down in the interest of party unity, paving the way for Obasa’s reinstatement. Despite the controversy, lawmakers commended Meranda’s leadership and unanimously re-elected her as Deputy Speaker.
Speaking after his reinstatement, Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues and key APC leaders, including Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, former governors of Osun and Ogun states, respectively. He described the transition as a sign of political maturity, emphasizing that the Assembly had mechanisms for resolving internal disputes.
“Today is not the day for speech-making but to appreciate our colleagues who have put a lot into this gathering today,” Obasa said. “I thank the party leaders present here today and special thanks to Bisi Akande, former Osun governor, Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun.
“We have resolved and determined to serve and protect the interest of Lagosians. What is happening today shows that the House is mature and has internal mechanisms to resolve issues.”
Following his remarks, Obasa adjourned the plenary.
