The political drama within the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new twist as forces loyal to the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, intensify efforts to remove his successor, Mojisola Meranda. The latest plot, insiders say, is a calculated move to orchestrate Meranda’s downfall and pave the way for Obasa’s return to power.
According to reports from Vanguard Newspaper, which announced the development via its official X handle, the scheme involves installing a proxy Speaker from Ikeja, who would later step down, allowing Obasa to reclaim his seat. This follows multiple failed attempts to unseat Meranda since her emergence on January 13, 2025.
An insider revealed that initial plans to push out Meranda were met with strong resistance from lawmakers who remain steadfast in their support for her leadership. The Ifako-Ijaiye candidate, originally considered for the role of the proxy Speaker, declined the offer, along with others who have pledged unwavering loyalty to Meranda.
However, Obasa’s allies, backed by key All Progressives Congress (APC) figures with a soft spot for him, are now focusing on the Ikeja constituency to execute their agenda. The plan, according to sources, is for the chosen candidate to hold the position temporarily before stepping down in favor of Obasa, who would, in turn, resign for a more “acceptable” Speaker.
A senior APC chieftain, speaking anonymously, criticized the external interference in the Assembly’s affairs, questioning why Abuja appears keen on reinstating Obasa despite his alleged infractions.
“Why is no one talking about the role of Abuja in this whole drama? They are behaving like elected lawmakers need clearance from Abuja before making decisions. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” the chieftain lamented.
Critics argue that Obasa’s return would send the wrong message, especially considering the allegations that led to his removal. He was ousted over accusations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness—charges that many believe cannot simply be swept under the rug.
“There were even attempts to install a puppet Speaker just to bring him back in a few months,” a source disclosed.
Adding to the controversy, a public critic, Benjamin Mokwunye, in his article Time to Move On, noted that the powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC) was likely involved in Obasa’s removal. While the GAC is an extra-constitutional body, it has wielded immense influence in Lagos politics since the Bola Tinubu era.
Mokwunye observed that Meranda, soon after assuming office, sought and received the GAC’s endorsement—an action that should have been handled more discreetly to avoid fueling suspicions that the council orchestrated Obasa’s removal.
“Some GAC members opposed his removal, but their objections carried little weight. The decision was made, and the Assembly has stood by it,” Mokwunye wrote.
Despite the mounting pressure, lawmakers continue to reaffirm their loyalty to Speaker Meranda. Analysts warn that reinstating Obasa could destabilize the APC’s internal structure and alienate rank-and-file members.
“The lawmakers acted democratically. They had every right to remove Obasa, and any attempt to overturn their decision could trigger political discontent,” an observer noted.
While rumors persist about top APC figures pushing for Obasa’s return, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Some believe the speculation is mere political maneuvering, designed to test the waters before a decisive move is made.
Meanwhile, Speaker Meranda remains unfazed. In a show of confidence, she has directed the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, to issue a letter of commendation to President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the positive impact of his administration’s policies.
With the Assembly set to reconvene on Monday at 11 a.m., all eyes will be on the unfolding power play as the battle for Lagos’ legislative leadership rages on. Will Meranda weather the storm, or will the forces backing Obasa succeed in their controversial bid? Time will tell.
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