The political landscape of Lagos State is currently embroiled in a power struggle concerning the speakership of the House of Assembly. Following the sudden removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, and the subsequent appointment of Mojisola Meranda as his replacement, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has intervened, deeming the removal illegal and disrespectful to the party’s leadership. The GAC has reportedly directed the lawmakers to communicate their position on the matter to President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the APC.
The GAC’s disapproval stems from the perceived disregard for established party protocols and the potential for destabilizing the political balance within the state. The council maintains that the removal of Obasa was conducted without proper consultation with the party leadership, including President Tinubu. This perceived breach of protocol has led the GAC to push for a reversal of the decision, urging lawmakers to allow Obasa to return to the House and potentially resign voluntarily, thereby preserving the appearance of due process. The GAC emphasizes that resignation should be a personal choice, not a forced action by the lawmakers.
The controversy has highlighted the intricate interplay of power between the state legislature, the party’s governing body, and the national leadership. The GAC’s intervention underscores the importance of adhering to internal party procedures and the significance of maintaining a cohesive political front. The lawmakers’ decision to write to President Tinubu reflects the hierarchical structure within the APC and the acknowledgement of Tinubu as a pivotal figure in Lagos politics. While the GAC has made its stance clear, the lawmakers appear to have solidified their decision to retain Meranda as Speaker, creating a potential impasse within the party.
At the heart of the dispute lies the question of authority and the appropriate channels for effecting leadership changes within the political structure. The GAC asserts its position as the highest decision-making body within the state APC, while the lawmakers maintain their autonomy in choosing their leadership. The appeal to President Tinubu represents an escalation of the issue to the national level, seeking his intervention to resolve the internal conflict. The incident also reflects the ongoing influence of Tinubu in Lagos politics despite holding the presidency.
The situation is further complicated by reports of conflicting directives and rumored apology letters from the lawmakers to President Tinubu. While some reports suggest that Tinubu has insisted on the reversal of Obasa’s removal and that lawmakers have been instructed to apologize for their actions, these reports remain unconfirmed by official sources. The GAC chairman, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, has refrained from issuing an official statement, stating that the GAC will communicate its position when appropriate. This ambiguity fuels speculation and underscores the delicate nature of the ongoing negotiations.
The ongoing developments highlight the dynamic nature of political power dynamics and the importance of maintaining internal party cohesion. The outcome of this dispute will significantly impact the political landscape of Lagos State and may serve as a precedent for future leadership transitions within the APC. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the communication between the lawmakers and President Tinubu, and the subsequent response from the GAC, which will ultimately determine the fate of the speakership and the direction of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The lack of official confirmation from the House of Assembly further shrouds the situation in uncertainty, adding to the complexity of the political drama.
