In an effort to address the leadership crisis affecting the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has directed the incumbent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, and the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to relinquish their positions.
The council also determined that a new Speaker will be selected from Lagos West and announced on Wednesday.
This resolution is a consequence of the recent turmoil within the Assembly. Last week, Obasa returned to the Assembly with four lawmakers and conducted a plenary session marred by controversy, subsequent to his lawsuit against his colleagues over his removal.
The legal battle, which now involves 35 lawmakers, was adjourned until March 7, 2025, following a hearing at the Ikeja High Court.
In a recent media interview, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi addressed the crisis, highlighting that the lawmakers did not have the authority to remove a Speaker without the party’s approval.
“The decision to remove Obasa was made solely by the lawmakers, without prior consultation with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the GAC,” Olusi explained during a media briefing at his Lagos residence.
He also clarified that the GAC was not implicated in Obasa’s impeachment and was not consulted beforehand. “We became aware of the situation through media reports, just like everyone else.
The lawmakers acted independently, neglecting to notify the party or the GAC,” he stated.
Subsequently, the GAC invited all involved lawmakers to present their grievances but criticized their failure to engage the party before taking drastic steps. “It is for the party to decide.
The lawmakers have no absolute power to remove and install their leaders,” Olusi insisted. To address the impasse, the APC has formed a high-powered committee led by Chief Bisi Akande.
Other key members include former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Chief Pius Akinyelure, and other prominent figures, who are engaging all stakeholders, including Obasa and Meranda, to reach a resolution.
According to Olusi, the following resolutions were reached at the GAC meeting:
Mojisola Meranda is to resign by tomorrow (Monday).
Mudashiru Obasa is to return and resign as well.
Both resignation letters must reach the GAC by Wednesday.
The GAC will announce a new Speaker from Lagos West on Wednesday.
Olusi dismissed reports of divisions within the GAC, stating that dissenting views from some members did not reflect the council’s official position. He assured that the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms were in place and urged patience as the crisis is being managed
“This issue will be resolved very soon. Disputes and differences are part of life, but we have established ways to settle them within the party,” Olusi assured.
In anticipation of Obasa and Meranda’s imminent departure, attention has shifted to the GAC’s next step as Lagos navigates its latest episode of political drama.
