A viral online report alleging that President Bola Tinubu directed members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate embattled Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has been dismissed as “fake news” by a lawmaker, who stated that it was a deliberate attempt to distract the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
The report, which gained significant traction on social media on Sunday, claimed that President Tinubu had intervened in the ongoing leadership drama in Lagos by urging lawmakers to allow Obasa’s return to the House three weeks after his controversial removal. According to the report, the president argued that the political repercussions of Obasa’s removal might outweigh the benefits of holding him accountable for alleged corruption and abuse of office.
“The president instructed that we should start preparing for Obasa’s return,” a senior Lagos politician who participated in a series of meetings over the weekend reportedly said. “The president said Obasa would only serve a short time before resigning on his own terms,” the source continued.
However, this narrative was quickly shot down by some lawmakers, who stated that reinstating Obasa would be nearly impossible for those who had actively campaigned for his removal. “Bringing him back would be like trying to pacify a snake after its head has been severed,” a source within the House commented. “Its venom would be fatal,” they warned, highlighting the volatile political atmosphere that surrounds Obasa’s contentious removal.
The political tension in the Lagos House of Assembly has been building since January 13, when Obasa was ousted from his position as Speaker. A significant majority of the Assembly members—32 out of 40—voted for his removal, citing accusations of misconduct, misappropriation of funds, abuse of office, and high-handed leadership. Despite this, there have been several attempts by Obasa and his supporters to reinstate him, though these efforts have failed to gain traction.
In response to the circulating rumors, a lawmaker, who requested anonymity, strongly refuted the claims. “This is nothing but a fabricated story,” the lawmaker said, pointing out that Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has already met with key political figures, including the president, the Lagos State Governor, and past members of the Assembly, all of whom have endorsed her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker further emphasized that Meranda’s legitimacy has been reinforced by several courtesy calls and endorsements, signaling her strong position. “Lagos lawmakers are firmly behind the leadership of Rt Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who was constitutionally elected,” the lawmaker concluded.
The rumors surrounding Obasa’s return have sparked a wave of speculation among political observers, who are asking whether Obasa’s alleged protection from above is real or simply the media’s attempt to keep a sore loser in the spotlight.
An aide to Speaker Meranda, who also requested anonymity, chose not to comment on the ongoing rumors. “The Speaker is focused on the task ahead and will not be distracted by these cheap talks and mere speculations aimed at creating confusion regarding the leadership change in the Assembly,” the aide remarked.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the Lagos State House of Assembly, where the political battle for power continues to unfold.
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