President Bola Tinubu has opposed the resignation of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, despite an earlier agreement that he would step down following his reinstatement.
This move came after the President held a meeting with all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, resolving the leadership crisis that had plagued the Assembly.
The President’s decision goes against the recommendations of a mediation panel, which had been tasked with resolving the dispute. Led by former governors Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, the panel initially suggested that Mojisola Meranda resign as Speaker to allow Obasa’s return.
It was understood that Obasa would also resign shortly after, to allow for the appointment of a new Speaker from Lagos West to balance the state’s political structure.
The development follows a series of events, including the impeachment of Obasa on January 13, 2025, by 35 lawmakers, who accused him of high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and authoritarian leadership.
His reinstatement and the subsequent political manoeuvres have caused discontent among some stakeholders, but sources close to the Speaker indicated that the President’s intervention had helped ensure unity among lawmakers.
Additionally, Tinubu has reportedly directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.
