The political turbulence within the Lagos State House of Assembly may soon be resolved following intervention from high-ranking members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ongoing dispute, which has left the leadership of the Assembly in limbo, appears set for a potential compromise with suggestions that both the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, could be stepping aside in favour of a new leader.
According to our source, the intervention of influential APC figures, including former governors Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, is playing a pivotal role in finding a resolution to the crisis.
The APC delegation was reportedly dispatched by President Bola Tinubu to mediate in the escalating dispute after attempts by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to resolve the issue fell short.
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The conflict began on January 13, 2025, when 36 members of the House voted to remove Obasa from his position, replacing him with Meranda, who was then serving as Deputy Speaker.
The move followed accusations against Obasa of poor leadership, including frequent lateness, authoritarianism, and alleged mismanagement of office. Many members also cited his disregard for colleagues and the governor, as well as alleged intimidation and corruption.
Obasa, who was in Atlanta at the time, has steadfastly insisted that he remains Speaker, calling for a proper process for his removal.
“I strongly believe I am still the Speaker until the right thing has been done,” Obasa declared in a press briefing on January 25, 2025. “If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it.”
Efforts to mediate the crisis culminated in a meeting on Sunday, February 23, at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, attended by Osoba, Ambode, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and key GAC members.
The talks reportedly lasted until late evening and included discussions with lawmakers from the Assembly. A source close to the negotiations revealed that a resolution could be reached within the next week.
One potential solution being considered is the appointment of a new Speaker from the Lagos West senatorial zone, with seniority in the House playing a significant role in the selection process.
Sources have indicated that David Setonji, the current Chief Whip representing Badagry Constituency II, is a leading contender for the position. Setonji, who has been a member of the House since 2015, is seen as a seasoned lawmaker with the experience to unite the factions within the Assembly.
While the names of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West being considered for the role have not been disclosed, a GAC member confirmed that Setonji’s credentials make him a strong candidate. “He is not like a first-timer among those in the West,” the source noted.
In addition to the leadership change, discussions are reportedly underway for Obasa to withdraw the legal challenge he filed against the Assembly and Meranda.
The former Speaker has taken the matter to a Lagos High Court, arguing that his removal was unlawful since it occurred during the Assembly’s recess.
However, with a political solution now on the table, there is growing speculation that Obasa may choose to drop the case.
A GAC member explained that the ongoing political mediation is aimed at bringing about a swift resolution.
“The party is mediating, and at the appropriate time, we shall provide a full report,” said Chief Tajudeen Olusi, the GAC Chairman. “It’s part of our responsibility to listen to all sides and ensure that conflicts within the legislature or party are resolved.”
The political and ethical considerations of the crisis have led to the decision not to select a Speaker from Lagos Central, the same senatorial zone as Governor Sanwo-Olu, in order to maintain a balance of power.
While the situation remains fluid, sources close to the APC are hopeful that a final agreement will be reached within the next week, allowing for a return to stability in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
