Mudashiru Obasa returned as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda from the position.
Obasa, who was previously removed, made a dramatic comeback, while Meranda reassumed her former role as Deputy Speaker.
The leadership reshuffle follows a wave of resignations by other House leaders, deepening the ongoing crisis within the Assembly.
Earlier in the day, tensions ran high as Obasa and Meranda arrived at the Assembly complex, sparking fears of a potential showdown. However, a strategic meeting involving key political figures—including Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Mohammed Alade Pedro (SAN), APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and 38 lawmakers—helped broker a return to the status quo.
Meranda later presided over the plenary session that officially reinstated Obasa.
The Assembly has been embroiled in turmoil since January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa and former Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, electing Meranda as Speaker.
Sources close to the Presidency and other key players revealed that high-level negotiations were made to convince lawmakers to support Obasa’s reinstatement. Even the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) was called upon to intervene after the disbandment of the Bisi Akande-led committee, which had reported unfavorable odds for Obasa.
The Presidency reportedly instructed GAC members to pressure their loyalists in the Assembly and state executive to back Obasa’s return.
However, with Assembly members still divided between Obasa and Meranda, sources say the courts may ultimately decide the matter.
Obasa has already filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The case, presided over by Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, is set for hearing on March 7.
