The ongoing crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly could soon see a resolution, as intervention by key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be leading toward a potential breakthrough.
The dispute, which centers around the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the subsequent appointment of Mojisola Meranda, could result in both Obasa and Meranda stepping aside to allow another lawmaker to take up the role of Speaker.
The political maneuvering follows the intervention of senior APC figures, including former governors Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode. The APC delegation was sent by President Bola Tinubu to mediate the conflict after the inability of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to find a resolution.
The conflict began on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers in the House removed Obasa from his position as Speaker, citing poor leadership, tardiness, high-handedness, and other allegations. Obasa, who was in the United States at the time, has since rejected his removal, insisting that he remains the legitimate Speaker.
In the wake of the dispute, a series of meetings were held, including a session on Sunday where Osoba, Ambode, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other GAC members met to discuss a solution. The meeting, which lasted until around 7 p.m., included talks with the lawmakers.
A GAC member, Muraina Taiwo, revealed that the party is considering selecting a new Speaker from the seven lawmakers from Lagos West, with a decision expected between now and the middle of next week. He said, “The issue will die down soon. Between now and the middle of next week, everything will become clearer. The APC leaders, including Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, came to mediate. They will return to Abuja with seven names from Lagos West.”
The new Speaker is expected to be one of the senior members from Lagos West, with a focus on seniority in the selection process. Sources suggest that David Setonji, a ranking lawmaker from Badagry, is among those being considered. Setonji, who has represented Badagry Constituency II since 2015 and is currently the Chief Whip, is seen as a seasoned and experienced lawmaker who could bring stability to the House.
Sources also revealed that part of the resolution being considered includes Obasa withdrawing his lawsuit against the Assembly and Meranda. Obasa, who has taken legal action to challenge his removal, may be asked to drop the case in the interest of political compromise.
A source close to the situation commented, “Meranda will step down, and Obasa will also step down. They will now pick someone else from Lagos West. The lawmakers seem to have agreed, and part of the understanding is that Obasa will withdraw the case he filed in court.”
Chairman of the GAC Tajudeen Olusi, confirmed that the party is actively mediating the issue, stating, “The party is mediating. At the appropriate time, we shall inform you of the conclusion of the mediating panel.”
It is hoped that a resolution will be reached in the coming days, allowing the Lagos State House of Assembly to regain stability and continue its legislative work.
