The Lagos State House of Assembly, the legislative arm of Nigeria’s most populous state, has been embroiled in a leadership crisis revolving around the position of Speaker. Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled Speaker, faced allegations of financial impropriety, high-handedness, and disregard for parliamentary procedures, leading to his initial removal by a significant majority of the Assembly members. This removal, however, was swiftly countered by Obasa, who disputed the legitimacy of the process and denied all accusations. The ensuing standoff threatened the stability and effectiveness of the legislative body, prompting intervention from various stakeholders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The crisis reached a boiling point in January when over 90% of the lawmakers voted to remove Obasa as Speaker. Their grievances centered on accusations of poor leadership, abuse of power, including intimidation of colleagues, and frequent tardiness to plenary sessions. Added to these were serious allegations of financial misappropriation, painting a picture of a Speaker operating outside the bounds of established rules and ethical conduct. Obasa, however, vehemently refuted these claims, arguing that the impeachment process was unconstitutional and that the accusations of financial impropriety were baseless and impossible. This impasse created a significant rift within the Assembly, threatening to paralyze its legislative functions.
In an attempt to restore order and functionality to the Assembly, high-level interventions were initiated. The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), a powerful body within the Lagos APC, stepped in to mediate the conflict. Led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, the GAC, along with key figures like the APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and the Lagos Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, engaged in discussions with the aggrieved lawmakers. These discussions aimed to broker a compromise that would satisfy both the lawmakers demanding Obasa’s removal and those supporting his continued leadership. The central challenge was to find a solution that would address the concerns raised about Obasa’s leadership while also preserving the stability of the Assembly.
The negotiations resulted in a complex agreement that involved the resignation of the Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, who had briefly ascended to the Speakership following Obasa’s initial removal. This paved the way for Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker. However, initial reports suggested that the agreement also included a provision for Obasa to step down after 48 hours, allowing for the election of a new Speaker from Lagos West senatorial district, a key demand of the dissenting lawmakers. This alleged provision was seen as a concession to the aggrieved members, ensuring representation from their preferred senatorial district while also allowing Obasa a temporary return to the Speakership.
Despite the initial reports and speculations, the Lagos State chapter of the APC clarified that there was no agreement requiring Obasa to resign as part of the resolution. Seye Oladejo, the party spokesperson, dismissed the rumors, stating unequivocally that Obasa’s resignation was never part of the negotiated settlement. He confirmed, however, that Obasa had committed to withdrawing the lawsuit he had filed challenging his initial removal. This withdrawal was seen as a significant gesture of goodwill, aimed at fostering reconciliation within the Assembly and the party. The clarification regarding Obasa’s continued tenure as Speaker marked a crucial turn in the narrative, solidifying his position despite the earlier controversies.
The resolution of the crisis, albeit with lingering questions and uncertainties, signaled a return to a semblance of normalcy in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa’s reinstatement and his subsequent meeting with the lawmakers suggest a concerted effort to bridge the divides and move forward. The withdrawal of the lawsuit further reinforces the commitment to resolving internal disputes through dialogue and compromise. However, the underlying issues that led to the crisis, including the allegations of financial impropriety and leadership style, remain unresolved and could potentially resurface in the future. The long-term stability of the Assembly hinges on addressing these fundamental concerns and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the legislative body.
