The former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has announced his return to office as the leader of the parliament.
Obasa made this declaration on Thursday after re-entering the assembly with police and State Security Service escorts, marking his first appearance since his removal on January 13.
He immediately took over the office of Mojisola Meranda, who has been the speaker since he was impeached while in the US.
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa said.
His return coincides with reports that security aides assigned to the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, have been withdrawn, while those attached to Obasa have been reinstated.
Confirming the withdrawal of Meranda’s security details, Victor Ganzallo, Special Adviser on Information to the Speaker, attributed the actions to the leadership tussle in the Assembly.
“This troubling development is also noteworthy for what it might signify about the underlying gender dynamics at play. Could this act of aggression be a reflection of the deep-seated bias against female leadership in the political arena? Is Rt. Hon. Meranda’s role as a woman Speaker being used as a justification for such brazen intimidation and disruption?
“It has come to our attention that these actions are tied to the ongoing internal power struggle regarding the removal of the former Speaker. Speculation suggests that this latest move is aimed at weakening the current leadership and creating instability within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“We demand an immediate clarification from both the police and the state government on their roles in these actions. The absence of security for those in leadership positions raises serious questions about the safety and protection of public officials in Lagos. If such intimidation can occur at the highest levels, what protection is there for the ordinary citizens of Lagos?
“This situation must not be allowed to stand unchallenged. We call for a full investigation into these actions and demand accountability from all involved parties,” Ganzallo said in a statement.
A source told THE WHISTLER that police personnel assigned to the Oniru of Iruland’s palace, as well as those stationed at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, have also been withdrawn.
According to the source, the order was allegedly given by the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun.
Notably, the Oniru of Iru land, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the brother to Meranda.
The source suggested that Obasa has been reinstated, saying “It appears Obasa is back as Speaker!!!! Apparent confusion galore.”
Apart from security operatives, the embattled Speaker was accompanied by some former principal officers of the Assembly, along with close aides and associates.
Obasa allegedly forced his way into the Speaker’s office, an act reportedly witnessed by Assembly staff and some lawmakers.
Meanwhile, 23 lawmakers present at the scene appeared to have been denied access to their offices. Instead, they remained outside in the Assembly Garden for several hours, observing and discussing the unfolding situation.
Outside the Assembly complex, several supporters of the former Speaker gathered, singing solidarity songs and praising Obasa and President Bola Tinubu for reinstating the previously ousted Speaker.
Some Assembly staff were seen hurriedly leaving their offices, fearing harassment by Obasa’s stern-looking supporters, who were believed to have been mobilized for the operation, which resembled a Gestapo-style takeover.
Addressing journalists hours later, lawmakers expressed concerns over the incident.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, expressed disappointment, noting that Lagos, as the Centre of Excellence, should not be experiencing such political drama.
“We want to be respected, to be given our dignity, to be shown that we were elected. I’m appealing to the leadership of our party that we cannot continue this way,” he said.
Obasa was removed from office in January following allegations of misconduct levelled against him by his colleagues. Despite this, he has continued to assert that he remains the rightful Speaker.
His reappearance follows interventions from top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former Osun and Ogun state governors, Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
Reports suggest that a panel set up by the party’s leadership has recommended the resignation of both Obasa and Meranda, paving the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West.
Reacting, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, condemned the incident, describing it as a dangerous descent into lawlessness and a violation of democratic principles.
Rhodes-Vivour, in a statement, referenced former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s categorization of Yoruba political elites in Lagos as either Omoluabis—leaders who uphold integrity and decorum—or Area boys, those who thrive on thuggery and violence. He lamented that the unfolding crisis is a clear indication that Lagos leadership is being dominated by the latter.
“El Rufai might have been spot on with his categorization of Yoruba Political elites in Lagos: the Omoluabis and the Area boys. Sadly, clips of the suspended speaker forcing his way into parliament are a clear demonstration of the moral decline in leadership where violence and thuggery reign over ideas and decorum.
“The former speaker proceeded with this action despite the outcry following the desecration of the assembly by security officials barely a week ago.
“The violation of the people’s parliament is unacceptable and such brazen desecration of our institutions should be resisted by all,” Rhodes-favour said.