Lagos crisis: How Aregbesola’s absence in APC saved Obasa

By Alade Adisa

Reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa, was able to reclaim his position due to his ability to fill the void left by the withdrawal of former Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), investigations by New Daily Prime have revealed.

It was gathered that since Aregbesola, who was also the de facto leader of the party in Alimosho Local Government Area, abandoned the party a few years ago, Obasa, who is from Agege, has stepped in and subsequently emerged as the leader of the APC in Alimosho.

“Obasa has been the Speaker for about 10 years now, and no doubt, he has amassed some wealth. When Rauf Aregbesola was in the party, he was the leader in Alimosho, even while serving as Osun State Governor. Matters relating to Alimosho were always referred to him.

However, since Aregbesola left the party, Obasa has stepped in to consolidate his hold on the area. Alimosho is the largest and most populous local government in the state, if not in the country. Since Obasa is also nurturing a governorship ambition, he has extended his influence over that axis.

If Aregbesola were still in the party, Obasa might have faced stronger opposition. Apart from President Bola Tinubu, who is the father of all, who else is an influential APC leader in Alimosho or even in Lagos West Senatorial District, apart from Obasa?” An APC leader confidentially explained.

Meanwhile, the legal battle between Obasa and the 34 lawmakers who removed him from office continues on Monday before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Ikeja High Court.

Last week, the court adjourned proceedings to Monday, March 10, 2025, to consider all applications, including Obasa’s originating summons.

Obasa’s counsel, Afolabi Fasanu, SAN, argued that despite his reinstatement, the case remains relevant, as he seeks to challenge allegations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct leveled against him.

The Speaker is contesting these allegations out of fear that they may be used against him when the race for the APC’s governorship ticket begins in 2027.