20 Lawmakers seal Obasa, Meranda’s fate during GAC meeting over Speakership position
20 Lawmakers seal Obasa, Meranda’s fate during GAC meeting over Speakership position
In an effort to address the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened an urgent meeting on Monday with key Assembly members.
The crisis, which began with the controversial removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has left the political landscape divided and uncertain.
On January 13, 2025, 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly voted to remove Obasa in absentia, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, misconduct, and autocratic leadership.
In his place, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, his former deputy, was appointed as the new Speaker.
The abrupt leadership change sparked a mix of reactions within the GAC, among party loyalists, and the public, intensifying existing divisions.
The GAC’s emergency meeting, held at Lagos House in Marina and chaired by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, the GAC leader, lasted for several hours.
This session followed a similar meeting held two weeks prior to discuss the unfolding crisis within the Assembly.
One of the central points of contention was the need for regional balance in the Assembly leadership. With both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda hailing from Lagos Central, some members of the GAC pushed for the Speakership to be ceded to Lagos West to foster inclusivity.
However, the proposal faced resistance, particularly from lawmakers representing Lagos West.
Around 20 lawmakers from the region firmly backed Meranda, effectively quashing any attempts to shift the leadership position.
Despite pressure from powerful figures within the Tinubu family and loyalists who continued to support Obasa, Meranda maintained her position as Speaker. Her supporters in the Assembly celebrated her victory, signaling that her leadership is secure—for now—amid the political turbulence.
The meeting concluded with no changes to the leadership structure, as Meranda’s position was reaffirmed, marking a decisive moment in the ongoing political saga.
