How zoning controversy is splitting Lagos politics

Lagos Assembly crisis: How zoning controversy is splitting Lagos politics

By Alade Adisa

The ongoing leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly may create friction between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu, an investigation by New Daily Prime has revealed.

Sources informed our correspondent that while Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is not entirely opposed to lawmakers selecting their leaders, the main issue lies in the zoning of the new Speaker’s position.

“Sanwo-Olu is from Lagos Central Senatorial District, just like the new Speaker. This disrupts the internal power-sharing arrangement among the three Senatorial Districts. Now, Lagos West, where Tinubu hails from, has no representation in the top leadership positions—Governor, Deputy Governor, or Speaker,” a source said.

“When lawmakers removed Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, they could have selected a replacement from Lagos West. However, surprisingly, some lawmakers from the district who could have filled the gap refused and instead supported Meranda, who was Obasa’s deputy,” the source added.

The source explained that these behind-the-scenes maneuvers have fuelled rumours that Tinubu has asked Meranda to resign. This situation is already causing tension between the governor and the president.

“Both men want lawmakers to have the freedom to choose their leaders, but zoning remains a critical issue. You can see that the Assembly has now adjourned indefinitely, and nobody knows when they will reconvene,” he stated.

The source also blamed Obasa for his leadership style, which may have contributed to his downfall.

“He allowed power and authority to get into his head. He did not foster good relations with his fellow lawmakers and acted as if he was superior to them. He also did not treat the Assembly workers well. You could see their jubilation when he was removed and their open solidarity with the new Speaker,” he added.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the new Speaker and her supporters were responsible for inviting the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Assembly Complex on Monday.

They instructed the Acting Clerk, whom they appointed after removing the one believed to be loyal to Obasa, to draft and send the letter of invitation over the weekend.