The Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has strongly criticized lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly for failing to consult party leaders before removing Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
In a statement, Olusi made it clear that the lawmakers do not wield absolute authority to unilaterally remove or install their leaders without the involvement of the party hierarchy.
Speaking on the controversy, Olusi expressed his displeasure, stating:
“We only read about it that morning. The lawmakers acted without consulting the party and those of us in the GAC. That is our position.”
He further faulted the lawmakers for failing to bring their grievances to the party earlier, insisting that the removal of a Speaker should be a party-led decision, not solely a legislative affair.
“I blame them for not bringing their complaints to the party sooner. It is the party’s decision to make — they (the lawmakers) do not have absolute power to remove and install their leaders,” Olusi asserted.
He emphasized the role of political parties in the electoral process, noting that no lawmaker can enter the House without being sponsored by a party.
“Nobody can become a member of the House of Assembly unless sponsored by a political party, and the sponsors are the inspectors,” he added.
In an effort to douse tensions and restore stability, Olusi disclosed that a high-powered reconciliation committee, led by Chief Bisi Akande, had been set up to address the crisis. Other key members of the panel include:
Aremo Olusegun Osoba
Chief Pius Akinyelure (Former APC National Vice Chairman, South-West)
“I know they are consulting with the House of Assembly, Obasa, and the new Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. Those of us in the GAC, alongside the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, are doing everything within our power to support the committee,” Olusi stated.
Obasa’s Parallel Plenary and Legal Battle
Despite mounting pressure, Obasa has refused to back down, staging a parallel plenary session alongside four lawmakers in protest against his removal. The matter has now escalated to the Lagos State High Court, where Obasa is challenging the legitimacy of his ousting.
Reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu has intervened behind the scenes, but tensions remain high, with the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, standing firm on Obasa’s removal.
Speaking after a court hearing, Meranda condemned Obasa’s actions, particularly his alleged invasion of her office, which she described as a “show of shame.”
“This is just the beginning, and I believe we should allow the legal team to do their work,” she said.
When asked about Obasa’s presence inside the Assembly complex, she acknowledged his rights as a sitting lawmaker but strongly criticized his forceful entry into her office.
“He is still a member of the House of Assembly, so he has every right to be in the complex. But invading the premises and breaking into my office — that is unacceptable,” she stated.
Uncertain Path Forward
With the legal battle ongoing, party leaders scrambling for a resolution, and tensions still high within the Assembly, the fate of the Lagos State Speaker’s seat remains uncertain.
Will the reconciliation efforts bear fruit, or will the power struggle deepen the crisis? Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 