The political crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn as the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, forcefully entered the Assembly complex on Thursday, accompanied by a heavily armed security team.
According to videos obtained by SaharaReporters, Obasa arrived under tight security, raising tensions in the already volatile legislative house. This development comes amid an ongoing leadership battle that has plunged the Assembly into chaos.
Earlier reports had indicated that security details assigned to Obasa had been withdrawn, leaving him without official protection. However, conflicting reports from The PUNCH suggested that his security aides had been reinstated following intense political maneuvering.
A source close to Mojisola Meranda, who replaced Obasa as Speaker, confirmed the security withdrawal, stating, “All the Speaker’s security aides have been withdrawn. The House of Assembly’s security details have also been withdrawn, leaving her vulnerable.”
Her spokesperson, Ganzallo Victor, expressed concern over the sudden development, saying, “We don’t know why the authorities have done that, but all the police officers and other security details attached to her have been withdrawn. She’s on her own at the moment.”
In a parallel legal battle, the National Industrial Court in Lagos recently nullified the appointment of Ottun Babatunde, who was named acting Clerk by Speaker Meranda. The court ordered the reinstatement of Olalekan Onafeko, the former Clerk who had served before Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025.
The ruling, issued under suit NICN/LA/23/2025, has further deepened the Assembly crisis, sparking concerns over judicial compliance and political interference.
Obasa, removed by 36 lawmakers over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, has consistently rejected his impeachment, branding it unconstitutional. Following his ouster, he traveled to the United States but swiftly initiated legal action upon his return.
His legal team, led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), insists that his removal was fraught with irregularities. Fashanu confirmed that Obasa’s lawsuit remains active, stating, “There is no plan to withdraw the suit. We are prepared for the court hearing fixed for Friday, February 28.”
Interestingly, Fashanu also noted that Obasa had initially refrained from returning to the Assembly until a court ruling was secured, warning that premature action could be deemed illegal. However, his sudden reappearance at the complex suggests a shift in strategy—one that underscores his determination to reclaim power.
Upon his return on January 25, Obasa addressed his supporters, defiantly asserting, “I am still the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.” He argued that the impeachment process violated constitutional procedures, adding, “If you want to remove me, follow the rules. I am not afraid of being removed, but it must be done constitutionally.”
His removal had triggered a political firestorm within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC)—the party’s highest decision-making body in Lagos—reportedly intervening to overturn the impeachment.
The APC leadership crisis deepened when it emerged that lawmakers had apologized to President Bola Tinubu for Obasa’s impeachment. According to sources, Tinubu was displeased with the move and insisted on his reinstatement.
At an emergency meeting at Lagos House, Marina, Tinubu directed lawmakers to retract their decision. The GAC also mandated them to submit two apology letters to the President.
However, this directive was met with resistance within party ranks. Prominent GAC members such as Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo criticized Obasa’s removal, calling it unconstitutional. Conversely, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro dismissed their stance as “childish and inconsequential,” urging restraint among party leaders.
As the power struggle intensifies, the Lagos State House of Assembly remains on edge. With court rulings, political interference, and security drama playing out simultaneously, the fate of Obasa—and the stability of the legislature—hangs in the balance.
Will Tinubu’s influence prevail in securing Obasa’s return, or will legal battles dictate the final outcome? One thing is certain: the unfolding drama in Lagos Assembly is far from over.
PIONEER NEWS 