President Bola Tinubu has resolved the Lagos State Assembly crisis, backing Mudashiru Obasa’s return as Speaker despite a panel’s recommendation for his resignation. The decision, reached after a meeting with lawmakers, overrides an earlier agreement, sparking mixed reactions among stakeholders. Obasa is also expected to withdraw his impeachment lawsuit.
President Bola Tinubu has brokered peace in the Lagos State House of Assembly, overriding a panel’s recommendation and ensuring the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. The decision, which contradicts an earlier agreement for Obasa’s resignation, was reached during a closed-door meeting with all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The intervention marks a turning point in the Assembly's leadership crisis, which began with Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025, over allegations of financial mismanagement and authoritarian rule. His removal saw Mojisola Meranda assume the Speakership, only for her to step down under party pressure 49 days later. A reconciliation panel led by former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel had initially advised Obasa’s return on the condition that he resign shortly after, paving the way for a Speaker from Lagos West.
However, after his reinstatement, Obasa adjourned the Assembly indefinitely, refusing to honor the agreement. His actions fueled internal tensions, leading to Tinubu’s direct intervention.
A Presidency source disclosed that Tinubu urged lawmakers to cooperate with Obasa for the sake of stability. “The President listened to all grievances and resolved the issues. Everyone has agreed to move forward under Obasa’s leadership,” the source said.
Despite the resolution, some Lagos stakeholders remain dissatisfied with Obasa’s refusal to step down as initially promised. To further cement peace, Tinubu reportedly directed Obasa to withdraw a lawsuit challenging his impeachment.
With the crisis seemingly settled, attention now shifts to whether the truce will hold or if underlying tensions will resurface in the Assembly’s future proceedings.
