The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has been accused of reneging on an agreement to resign after his controversial reinstatement, a source has told SaharaReporters.
Obasa, who was removed as Speaker over allegations of poor leadership, abuse of power, and intimidation of lawmakers, was reportedly reinstated as part of a backroom deal brokered by top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders. The plan, according to insiders, was for him to step down shortly after resuming office—but he has refused to do so.
Contrary to the APC’s public claims, the source alleged that Obasa explicitly agreed to resign within days as a condition for his return. However, this promise turned out to be a mere smokescreen to regain power.
“Many lawmakers were tricked into believing that Obasa would step down after Meranda. They had no idea it was just a political gimmick,” the source disclosed.
Instead of fulfilling his promise, Obasa quickly moved to consolidate his grip on the Assembly, adjourning plenary indefinitely—an apparent strategic move to stall proceedings while awaiting a court judgment to validate his controversial reinstatement.
Adding to the controversy, the source alleged that Obasa and his allies have been working behind the scenes to influence the judge handling the case.
“A judgment has already been written, invalidating the process that removed him. Every machinery has been put in place to ensure the judge delivers it as planned,” the source claimed.
According to the source, once the judgment is delivered, Obasa will prevent any appeal from being filed on behalf of the Assembly. This would render his removal null and void while ensuring that Meranda’s brief tenure as Speaker is erased from the Assembly’s records.
Obasa’s return was facilitated by intense lobbying from powerful APC figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN). Their intervention led to the forced resignation of Abiodun Tobun Meranda, who had briefly replaced Obasa as Speaker.
Meranda, who has now been relegated to Deputy Speaker, was left with no choice but to bow to party pressure.
“Just as we know that the party’s decision is supreme, at this point, I take a bow as your Speaker, and I step down,” she announced during a live broadcast monitored by SaharaReporters.
Her resignation paved the way for Obasa’s reinstatement, a move that has sparked outrage among lawmakers and political analysts alike.
With the court judgment looming, Obasa’s hold on power appears to be strengthening despite the internal revolt that initially led to his removal. His actions have left many Assembly members disillusioned, raising questions about the integrity of the legislative process in Lagos State.
As the political drama unfolds, observers are watching closely to see whether the embattled Speaker will face any resistance or if he will succeed in securing his position indefinitely.
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