In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Lagos State House of Assembly to prepare for the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, sources with knowledge of the situation revealed to Peoples Gazette.
This move comes three weeks after Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was swiftly elected and sworn in as his successor. Yet, Obasa has vehemently contested the impeachment, calling it unlawful and void, and has continued to assert that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the Assembly.
Obasa’s argument hinges on claims that the impeachment process was not in accordance with constitutional procedures. However, over the weekend, President Tinubu reportedly intervened, instructing lawmakers to prepare for Obasa’s return, citing the significant political ramifications of allowing the crisis to linger. The President’s proposed solution is for Obasa to return briefly as Speaker before stepping down voluntarily, allowing him to exit on his own terms.
A senior Lagos politician, privy to several closed-door meetings, confirmed to Peoples Gazette: “The president has sent instructions that we should begin preparations for his return. He will serve only a short time before stepping down as agreed.”
This development signals a shift in the political landscape of Lagos, as the majority of Assembly members belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ensuring that any decision from the party will likely pass.
While many lawmakers have expressed support for Obasa’s return, fearing the enduring political consequences of his prolonged removal, some remain cautious. A source, expressing reservations, said, “Bringing him back is like trying to pacify a snake after its head was severed—its venom will be deadly.”
The President is scheduled to meet with the lawmakers in Abuja on Monday, a move that aims to ensure consensus on the matter. “Many of us have agreed that he should return,” one politician said, adding, “We can only see the beginning of this fight, but not how it may end.”
Meanwhile, the turmoil surrounding Obasa’s ousting has had practical consequences. Since Meranda’s inauguration as Speaker, she has been unable to occupy the Speaker’s official residence due to Obasa’s refusal to vacate the premises. Obasa has insisted that he must retrieve his personal belongings before vacating the property.
In an exclusive report on January 25, SaharaReporters revealed that Obasa recently met with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APC stakeholders, requesting President Tinubu’s intervention to grant him access to his former residence. Sources confirmed that the President granted this request.
During the meeting, Obasa contended that his impeachment should be annulled because the mace used during the session in which he was ousted was not the official one. However, his argument was swiftly countered, as lawmakers confirmed that the mace used was from the old Assembly building. Undeterred, Obasa pushed for the nullification of his impeachment, citing the lack of proper procedures.
President Tinubu, who was reportedly displeased that Obasa’s removal took place without his prior approval, expressed his frustration over learning of the development through media reports. Sources indicate that he remarked to Obasa, “You weren’t born a Speaker, and speakership wasn’t created with you.”
Despite the apparent futility of his appeal, Obasa pressed for his personal items to be returned, a request which was granted. Tinubu also convened a meeting with Lagos lawmakers and political stakeholders to facilitate understanding and resolve the matter.
In a separate development, Peoples Gazette reported that First Lady Remi Tinubu may have played a role in preventing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Obasa over alleged financial improprieties. However, investigations into his handling of public funds are expected to continue.
Sources suggest that Tinubu’s intervention has sparked frustration among some lawmakers, with one source lamenting, “Many of us are angry that the President has forced this decision upon us, but none of us want to openly resist him, especially as he’s also the party’s leader.”
Obasa’s reinstatement appears imminent, as Peoples Gazette reports that he and Governor Sanwo-Olu met on Saturday to finalize his return to the Speaker’s chair, which could happen as early as next week.
Despite the ongoing political maneuvering, efforts to reach Obasa for comment have been unsuccessful. The former Speaker, who was out of the country during his impeachment, has been vocal in his defense, claiming that his ouster was orchestrated under dubious circumstances. During a welcome reception hosted by his supporters upon his return to Nigeria, Obasa alleged that the police had invaded his home and the House of Assembly, claiming, “What was the commissioner of police doing in the Assembly? Why were my people detained?”
Obasa, who has admitted to being involved in previous removals of Assembly members, insisted that such actions were carried out within the bounds of the law, without the use of force or fraudulent procedures.
As the political drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Obasa’s return will shape the future of Lagos politics and whether this resolution will bring lasting stability to the Assembly or ignite further conflict.
PIONEER NEWS 