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TINUBU RESOLVES LAGOS ASSEMBLY CRISIS, BACKS OBASA’S RETURN AS SPEAKER

President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, backing the return of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. This decision comes despite an earlier recommendation from a panel set up by Tinubu, which advised Obasa to step down after being reinstated. The resolution was reached after a meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. A Presidency official revealed that Tinubu had brokered peace among the warring factions, asking members to work with Obasa to ensure stability in the Assembly and the state. “With the development, Obasa will stay as Speaker. His position is no longer threatened. All the lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” the source said. The lawmakers also had a photo session with the President after the meeting. However, some Lagos stakeholders are displeased that the original agreement was not upheld. The source assured that the President would engage all aggrieved parties to maintain unity. “Some stakeholders are naturally displeased Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel. I’m sure the President would engage everyone to settle the matter.” Additionally, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court. “The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and Obasa should also withdraw the case against Meranda and the lawmakers in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this,” a source close to Obasa revealed.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MEETS LAGOS LAWMAKERS AMID LEADERSHIP CRISIS

A closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly is currently underway at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The lawmakers, including Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at the villa in two coaster buses, with Obasa joining his colleagues about 30 minutes later. The meeting is believed to be connected to the recent leadership crisis in the state House of Assembly, which saw Obasa impeached by some of his colleagues before being reinstated after the intervention of political leaders, including the Governing Advisory Council (GAC). Despite his reinstatement, sources indicate that the tensions resulting from the impeachment are still simmering. The meeting with President Tinubu may be an effort to address these issues and find a resolution. Details of the meeting are still emerging, but it is clear that the President is taking a proactive approach to addressing the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

LAGOS STATE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RESIGNS, RE-ELECTED AS DEPUTY SPEAKER

In a surprising turn of events, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has resigned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, only to be re-elected as the Deputy Speaker, a position she previously held before the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa, who was impeached, has now been reinstated as the Speaker. Meranda’s resignation was reportedly aimed at restoring peace to the Assembly, which had been marred by turmoil following Obasa’s impeachment. In her resignation speech, Meranda expressed gratitude to her colleagues for their support, stating that her decision was necessary to allow for peace in the Assembly. The resignation and subsequent re-election of Meranda as Deputy Speaker were not isolated events. Other principal officers of the Assembly, including the Chief Whip and his Deputy, as well as the Majority Leader and his Deputy, also resigned and were replaced. Meranda’s brief tenure as Speaker began on January 13, 2025, following Obasa’s impeachment over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Her re-election as Deputy Speaker marks a return to her previous role, which she held before becoming Speaker.

LAGOS POLICE COMMAND CONDUCTS AUDIT OF POLICE PERSONNEL ATTACHED TO PERSONALITIES

The Lagos State Police Command has embarked on an audit of police personnel attached to personalities, individuals, and groups in the state. In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare M. Jimoh, explained that the exercise is a statutory procedure aimed at ensuring that police personnel are accounted for, including their firearms and other crime-fighting equipment. CP Olohundare M. Jimoh stated that the audit is necessary to ensure that police personnel are on their duty posts and that firearms and equipment under their custody are not misused. He noted that other Police State Commands in the country are carrying out similar audits without any issues. Jimoh emphasized that the exercise is in the public interest and not targeted at any individual. The audit, which has been ongoing for several days, has seen prominent personalities and individuals complying with the process. However, Jimoh warned that police deployment to prominent persons or individuals without valid approval will be withdrawn throughout the state. He advised those with invalid approval to revalidate or apply afresh to the Inspector-General of Police for approval. In the case of Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Jimoh stated that the audit of police personnel attached to her has been completed, and the four armed personnel attached to her have been returned for her protection. He also mentioned that Hon. Mudashiru Obasa had applied for police protection due to threats to his life and that of his family, and that police personnel were approved for his protection. Jimoh assured that the Lagos State Police Command is neutral in the ongoing developments at the Lagos State House of Assembly and will continue to maintain law and order and public safety and security throughout the state. He appealed for calm and urged everyone to go about their lawful duties and responsibilities peacefully. The police deployment at the Lagos State House of Assembly has been reinforced with additional personnel and equipment to prevent any untoward incidents. Jimoh stated that the security situation is firmly under control, and normalcy has been restored. He assured Lagosians that they can go about their lawful businesses and responsibilities without fear or apprehension.

OBASA SET FOR RETURN AS SPEAKER OF LAGOS ASSEMBLY AS POLICE RESTORE SECURITY DETAILS

There are strong indications that Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who was impeached as Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, is set to return to his position. This development comes after the police restored his security details, while those of his successor, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, were withdrawn. Meranda, who was Obasa’s deputy before his impeachment, was unanimously elected as the new Speaker, making her the first female to occupy the position in the history of the state. However, despite not officially resigning as Speaker, her fate was reportedly sealed over the weekend by key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders who intervened in the crisis rocking the House of Assembly. A meeting attended by former National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Muiz Banire; members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC); and some lawmakers, resolved that Obasa’s removal was illegal and directed the lawmakers to return him to his position. “In truth, what they said was that Obasa’s removal was illegal and the lawmakers were directed at the meeting to go and return him,” sources familiar with the matter said. Although it is unclear when the House will reconvene to effect the expected changes, Meranda had adjourned plenary indefinitely two weeks ago due to commotion in the assembly caused by an invasion by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, MOJISOLA MERANDA, RESIGNS

In a surprise move, Rt. Hon. Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has resigned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, effective February 17, 2025. Meranda, who made history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, cited the need to protect the institution amidst recent political turmoil. In her resignation letter, Meranda stated, “I did not arrive at this decision lightly… I know that this is the point at which as your leader, I have to make this selfless sacrifice to resign in order to protect this Institution.” She expressed gratitude to her colleagues for their support and collaboration during her tenure, saying, “I value and cherish the solidarity freely given to me.” Meranda will rejoin the assembly as a member representing Apapa 1 Constituency, where she will continue to serve her constituents and the people of Lagos. Her resignation marks the end of a brief but significant tenure as Speaker, during which she advocated for women’s empowerment and good governance. RT. Hon. Mojisola Meranda had been elected Honorable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly by a unanimous decision from majority of the members of the house following the impeachment of the then Speaker, RT. Hon Mudashiru Obasa on grounds of Misconduct, Misappropriation and High-handedness. Obasa who was out of the country at the time however returned and insisted the impeachment was invalid as due process was not fulfilled. The situation led to several incidents including a recent invasion of the house by security agents. As Meranda steps down, she leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazing female leader in Lagos politics. Her commitment to public service and her constituents remains unwavering, as she prepares to continue serving in a new capacity.

LAGOS STATE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER’S OFFICE SEALED OFF BY SECURITY AGENCIES

In a shocking turn of events, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police have sealed off the offices of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, and her deputy. The sudden security intervention at the Assembly complex has sparked tension and fueled rumors of a potential leadership change. Sources suggest that the lockdown is linked to political maneuverings aimed at reversing the recent change in leadership, which saw Meranda become the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025. Despite the uncertainty, Speaker Meranda arrived at the Assembly to a rousing welcome from her colleagues and staff. The enthusiastic reception underscored the strong backing she enjoys within the legislative body, reinforcing her position amid the unfolding power struggle. The warm welcome given to Speaker Meranda signals her resilience in the face of political tension, as Assembly members and staff rallied around her to affirm their support. However, the unfolding drama raises concerns about the role of security agencies in legislative affairs, with political analysts warning that such interventions could set a troubling precedent for governance in Lagos State. As events continue to develop, all eyes remain on the Lagos State Assembly to see whether this power tussle will escalate or be resolved amicably.

ATTEMPTS TO LINK OBASA’S IMPEACHMENT TO SEYI TINUBU’S GUBER ASPIRATION MISCHIEVOUS (3)

By Ehichioya Ezomon  Removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa (Agege Constituency 1) of the Lagos State House of Assembly may fail to get back his exalted office, yet, he’s succeeded in forcing an unplanned shift of the House plenary indefinitely, thus sowing tension and confusion among the lawmakers, and splitting the close-knit Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. This comes after new Speaker Mojisola Meranda (Apapa Constituency 1) formally assumed office on Monday, January 27, 2025, amid majority of the lawmakers chanting: “Madam, continue your work; your work is appealing to us. You are the Speaker, you are the Speaker, you are the Speaker. Speak for Lagos. Continue with your work.”  With Obasa reportedly absent from the Assembly, the lawmakers posed for photographs with Meranda, and accompanied her to the Speaker’s office, “where intense prayers were offered as she settled into her new role.” The plenary was then postponed, “to douse tension in the state.” The lawmakers’ public rallying for Meranda was a “kick in the groin” for Obasa, whose fate appears sealed since losing power on Monday, January 13, and returning from the United States of America to insist that he remains the Speaker until due process is observed in his removal, in line with the amended 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Welcomed back to town on Saturday, January 25, by hundreds of jubilant supporters at the official residence of the Lagos Speaker in the GRA, Ikeja, Obasa slammed his ouster, in absentia, as unconstitutional. In an “A luta continua; vitória é certa” (“The struggle continues; victory is certain”)-like mood, Obasa told his supporters: “I’m still the Speaker until the right thing has been done,” and the crowd cheered.“I am not afraid of being removed. After all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything (remove him), do it well.” Obasa insinuated that were he present in the Assembly, the lawmakers wouldn’t succeed in removing him as Speaker. He queried: “They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Why did they have to break the chamber and use a fake mace to carry out the removal? “If they say they don’t want me anymore, that’s fine, but let them follow due process. I still believe I am the Speaker until the right procedure is followed. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.” Obasa held his ground, as he addressed his 2027 governorship ambition he tactically broached when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the 2025 Budget proposals to the House, thus sparking the instant flurry of activities in the Lagos polity. Saying, “Having ambition to become a governor is not a sin,” Obasa declared: “However, I said on the floor of the House, when the budget was presented, that I had no thoughts of governorship. But that does not mean I am not qualified or that I lack experience; I still maintain that (stand).” Citing a breach of fair hearing, Obasa claimed he wasn’t given a chance to respond to the charges the House leveled against him, and challenged his colleagues to substantiate the allegations, and afford him a chance to respond. “They (lawmakers) should not discredit an innocent person (Obasa); they should prove their allegations against me. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence. I believe in the image of our institution; we must not destroy it and I will never partake in it’s destruction.” Obasa also criticised the Police for “conniving with the lawmakers” to oust him from power, alleging that besides the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola, “leading police officers to invade the Assembly,” over 200 policemen allegedly invaded his private residence in Agege, blocked the gate, and prevented members of his family from going out of the house. Obasa referenced other Presiding Officers of the Lagos Assembly removed without deployment of the police. “When former Speaker, Rt Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, was removed, he was in the Assembly and we did not invite policemen. When my sister, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, was removed, we did not invite the police,” Obasa said. Even with his eyes red, Obasa appreciated members of the GAC and Governor Sanwo-Olu, “who is my brother,” and who “always calls me his younger brother,” and thanked President Tinubu, “who will always be my father.” Obasa said he’d been with Tinubu from his days in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) under which Tinubu’s elected Senator in the Third Republic, noting that he never expected to be Speaker in 2015, but “Tinubu supported me even when everyone was against me.” Tinubu’s the acclaimed head of the shadowy and powerful GAC of the Lagos APC, which acts as a clearing house for the party affairs, including elective and appointive positions. But there appears a split in the GAC, as two of its members have criticised Obasa’s ouster as illegal. As reported by The Nation on January 30, a member, Chief M.A. Taiwo, faulted the process of Obasa’s removal, noting that, “The act of the lawmakers is illegal. It shows total disregard and clear disrespect for leadership. The GAC is split over the matter, but we will all defer to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resolve the crisis.” Another GAC member, former Senator Anthony Adefuye, described the removal as illegal, stating, “What he (Obasa) is saying is that he was illegally removed, and the procedure was faulty. I agree with him.” Meanwhile, former Lagos Speaker and ex-Minister of State for Health, and Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora, faults Obasa’s claim that his removal flouts the 1999 Constitution, saying that only the removal of President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor is specified therein, and the procedure to effect the removal. In an interview with Vanguard on January 25, Mamora, who’s Speaker from 1999 to 2003, and Senator from 2003 to 2011,

NEW SPEAKER TAKES THE HELM AT LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

In a significant development, the Lagos State House of Assembly has welcomed a new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda. Her ascension to the top post follows the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Meranda’s inauguration was met with widespread support from her colleagues, who gathered to show their solidarity. The new Speaker’s office was filled with lawmakers, signaling a unified front behind her leadership. In contrast, Obasa was absent from the Assembly premises, despite his earlier claims that he would return to work. His impeachment has sparked questions about his future plans. As Meranda settles into her new role, the House of Assembly appears poised to move forward, focusing on its legislative duties. The transition is seen as a testament to the Assembly’s commitment to stability and governance. The next steps for Obasa remain unclear, leaving many to wonder if he will challenge his impeachment or accept the new leadership.

LAGOS STATE ASSEMBLY IMPEACHMENT SAGA: OBASA DECLARES SELF RIGHTFUL SPEAKER

The impeachment saga surrounding former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, took a dramatic turn on Saturday as Obasa declared himself the rightful speaker of the assembly, citing constitutional provisions. This declaration was made during a welcome event organized in his honor by supporters from Agege, Alimosho, and Kosofe local government areas in Ikeja GRA. Obasa’s removal from office was as a result of allegations of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement, with 35 out of the 40 members of the assembly voting in favor of his impeachment on January 13, 2025. However, Obasa argued that the process did not follow constitutional procedures, stating that he would accept his removal if it is carried out in accordance with constitutional guidelines. In response to Obasa’s declaration, the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a statement, signed by Ogundipe Olukayode, warning Obasa against actions capable of destabilizing the legislative arm and heating the polity. The lawmakers reiterated their solidarity with the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and emphasized their commitment to good governance and maintaining a harmonious relationship with other arms of government. Meranda “It is imperative to clarify that over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. We stand by the decision taken to impeach Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and we shall defend our position to the latter,” the statement read. The lawmakers also described Obasa’s recent posture as “uncalled for and unparliamentary,” urging him to embrace peace in the interest of the state. “I appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent posture will heat the polity and not augur well,” Olukayode warned. Obasa, however, remains defiant, stating that he has been a lawmaker for over two decades and is the longest-serving lawmaker in the House. He also accused the commissioner of police of leading a team to invade the assembly and his personal home, questioning the commissioner’s actions.