A political standoff has emerged between Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu following the controversial impeachment and reinstatement of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The situation has intensified tensions within the Lagos State House of Assembly and sparked concerns over executive influence in legislative matters....CONTINUE READING>>>
Tinubu’s Intervention and Concerns
President Tinubu reportedly intervened in the crisis, expressing unease over Governor Sanwo-Olu’s role in Obasa’s removal. During a private meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu addressed Lagos State lawmakers, including Obasa, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, and other key members of the Assembly. According to sources, the President was particularly disturbed by the executive branch’s apparent involvement in legislative leadership decisions, considering it an overreach of power.
The closed-door meeting, which took place after lawmakers arrived at the Villa under strict security protocols, sought to resolve the leadership turmoil triggered by Obasa’s impeachment on January 13 over allegations of financial misconduct and corruption. While the Assembly initially celebrated his removal as a victory for accountability, his reinstatement, reportedly due to pressure from All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders backed by Tinubu, has caused widespread discontent.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting
During the meeting, President Tinubu urged lawmakers to accept Obasa’s return as Speaker, despite opposition from some Assembly members. He also instructed Obasa to withdraw all legal actions challenging his impeachment.
“We should allow the Speaker to return as the Speaker,” Tinubu reportedly said, appealing to the lawmakers for unity. Additionally, the President maintained that existing committee chairs and key Assembly officials should remain in their positions, though he suggested letting the courts decide on the disputed position of the Assembly Clerk.
A significant point of contention is the choice between Clerk Taiwo Ottun, favored by the majority of lawmakers, and former Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, whom Obasa supports. Amid these disagreements, the Lagos Assembly leadership formally requested additional security reinforcement at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, fearing potential unrest.
Legal and Financial Controversies
The crisis has also been compounded by conflicting court rulings. Recently, the National Industrial Court clarified that it had not ordered the reinstatement of Clerk Onafeko, contrary to claims by Obasa’s camp. Instead, it directed all parties to maintain peace pending further hearings, with the next session scheduled for March 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, allegations of financial misconduct continue to fuel discord within the Assembly. A multi-billion-naira procurement fraud involving the purchase of official vehicles has further deepened the leadership rift. Obasa had initially approved the purchase of 10 Toyota Prado SUVs and 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs from Dubai at a cost of N7 billion. However, during her brief tenure as Speaker, Mojisola Meranda revised the plan, opting for a local dealer who offered 32 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven Toyota Land Cruisers for N5 billion, saving the Assembly N2 billion.
Obasa reportedly opposed this decision, demanding the return of the vehicles procured under Meranda’s tenure. Sources claim he had intended to distribute 45 luxury vehicles, including four designated for himself and his two wives. His unilateral decision to replace the Assembly’s legal representation without consulting the 35 lawmakers who initially supported his impeachment has also stirred further opposition. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, representing the lawmakers against Obasa, criticized the Speaker’s move, asserting that a plaintiff cannot impose legal counsel on the defense.
The Road Ahead
With the next court hearings set for March 17 and 18, tensions remain high. While Tinubu’s intervention may have temporarily stabilized the situation, concerns over executive overreach, financial mismanagement, and internal party politics continue to shape the evolving power struggle in Lagos State.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes remain on how the legal battles and political maneuverings will impact the future of the Lagos Assembly and its leadership.
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