The Lagos State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis, prompting the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. The conflict centers around the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his subsequent replacement by Mojisola Meranda, sparking a power struggle within the Assembly. Tinubu, seeking a swift resolution, enlisted prominent figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former governors and party leaders, to mediate the dispute. Marathon meetings were held at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, involving key stakeholders such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, and past and present state chairmen of the APC. The primary objective of these meetings was to facilitate dialogue and broker a compromise between the warring factions, ultimately aiming to restore stability to the Assembly.
The core issue revolves around the speakership position. While some lawmakers favor Obasa’s reinstatement, albeit temporarily, others vehemently oppose his return, fearing he would solidify his grip on power. Obasa himself has challenged his removal, initiating legal proceedings against the Assembly and Meranda, arguing that his ouster during a recess was procedurally flawed. This legal challenge further complicates the situation, adding another layer to the already complex political maneuvering. The intervention of Tinubu and the party heavyweights underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for a resolution to prevent further disruption to the functioning of the Assembly.
As part of the ongoing negotiations, a potential compromise has emerged involving Meranda stepping down to pave the way for Setonji David from Badagry to assume the speakership. This proposal aims to address concerns about regional representation, as Lagos West currently lacks a principal position in the state’s leadership. President Tinubu reportedly endorsed this solution, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and balanced representation within the government. This potential resolution highlights the delicate balancing act required to appease all parties involved and achieve a stable outcome.
Pressure mounted on Meranda to resign, with reports of meetings and circulating resignation letters. Despite denials from her aide, the pressure from Abuja and within the Assembly remained intense. The situation is further complicated by the legal battle over the position of Clerk of the House, with the court reinstating the former clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, after his dismissal following Obasa’s removal. This legal wrangling adds another dimension to the power struggle within the Assembly and further underscores the fragility of the current political landscape.
Beyond the immediate power struggle, the crisis also involves the Department of State Services (DSS). Following a request from the Assembly for increased security, DSS personnel were deployed to the Assembly complex. However, an altercation ensued, leading to the arrest of three Assembly workers accused of assaulting DSS officials. This incident, captured on CCTV footage, led to the arrest and subsequent release on bail of the individuals involved. The involvement of the DSS adds a security dimension to the ongoing political crisis, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding the Assembly.
In summary, the Lagos State House of Assembly faces a multifaceted crisis encompassing a power struggle for the speakership, legal battles over procedural matters and personnel appointments, and even skirmishes involving security personnel. The intervention of President Tinubu and senior APC members emphasizes the urgency of finding a lasting solution to restore order and functionality to the Assembly. The proposed compromise involving a new speaker aims to address regional representation concerns while also potentially resolving the immediate leadership vacuum. However, the underlying tensions and competing interests remain, underscoring the fragility of the situation and the need for continued dialogue and negotiation.
