Drama in Lagos Assembly as Obasa returns as Speaker amid leadership crisis

The power struggle in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the Assembly complex, declaring his return to power.

Flanked by police officers and State Security Service (SSS) operatives, Obasa walked into the Speaker’s office at exactly noon — his first time back since his controversial removal on January 13.

“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa told reporters, his tone firm and defiant.

This unexpected comeback followed the sudden withdrawal of the security aides attached to the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, sparking fresh tension in the already divided House.

For weeks, the Assembly has been embroiled in a fierce leadership crisis. Obasa’s removal, backed by over 90% of lawmakers, was driven by accusations of poor leadership, habitual lateness to legislative duties, high-handedness, and alleged intimidation of colleagues. Lawmakers also claimed he frequently clashed with the executive arm, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

READ ALSO: Security details of Lagos Assembly Speaker, Meranda, withdrawn, restored to Obasa

In the aftermath, Mojisola Meranda was elected Speaker, but Obasa’s latest move has reignited uncertainty about the House’s leadership.

Behind the scenes, high-profile intervention efforts have been ongoing. At President Bola Tinubu’s directive, respected All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders — including former governors Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) — held multiple meetings last weekend, hoping to broker peace among political stakeholders and lawmakers.

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