A fresh twist has unfolded in the ongoing power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly, as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has ordered Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda and her impeached predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa, to resign immediately. The directive aims to restore order following weeks of political turbulence that have left Nigeria’s commercial capital on edge.
The crisis deepened last week when Obasa, refusing to accept his removal, stormed the Assembly with a handful of loyal lawmakers, convening a controversial plenary session. His legal challenge against the impeachment has since embroiled 35 lawmakers in a courtroom battle, with the case now adjourned until March 7, 2025.
The GAC, led by veteran politician Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has now stepped in, declaring that the Assembly acted outside party protocols. Olusi, in a firm rebuke, insisted that lawmakers lacked the authority to unilaterally remove Obasa without consulting the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The decision to impeach Obasa was made in isolation. Neither the party nor the GAC was informed,” Olusi stated from his Lagos residence, making it clear that the council had no prior involvement in the unfolding drama.
To contain the crisis, the APC has set up a high-powered committee chaired by Chief Bisi Akande, alongside other political heavyweights, including former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba and ex-APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Chief Pius Akinyelure. Their mission is to broker peace among the warring factions and ensure a smooth transition.
By Wednesday, both Obasa and Meranda must submit their resignation letters. In their place, the GAC will unveil a new Speaker from Lagos West, signaling a fresh chapter in the Assembly’s leadership.
Amid the tensions, Olusi dismissed speculation of a fractured GAC, asserting that internal disputes were being handled within party structures. “Disagreements are inevitable, but we have mechanisms to resolve them,” he assured.
With the deadline looming, political observers are watching closely. Will Obasa and Meranda comply, or will the crisis take another unexpected turn? By midweek, Lagosians will have their answer.
