After 49 days of living in political limbo, former speaker of the Lagos State legislature, Mr Mudashiru Obasa who was ousted by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, was re-elected yesterday.
Obasa was nominated by a lawmaker, Noheem Adams, representing Eti-Osa I.
His re-election came after his supplanter, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, resigned as speaker of the house.
Other principal officers elected under Meranda also resigned from their positions.
They included Messrs Mojeed Fatai (deputy speaker, Mojeed Fatai and Okanlawon Sani (chief whip).
Similarly, a lawmaker representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 2, Mr Rauf Olawale, nominated Meranda as deputy speaker.
After the motion was seconded by another lawmaker, Abiodun Orekoya, she was sworn into the office.
Obasa’s return was made possible by the resolutions of the mediating panel led by the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bisi Akande and former governor of Ogun State, Mr Olusegun Osoba, who intervened in the leadership crisis that rocked the assembly since the speaker’s removal.
The legislators had accused Obasa of high-handedness, poor leadership, financial misappropriation, among other allegations.
Obasa claimed that his removal as speaker was illegal, as it occurred while he was abroad and the assembly was on recess.
However, lawmakers loyal to Meranda insisted that his removal by over two-thirds majority was constitutional.
After his swearing in, Obasa expressed appreciation to the APC leaders and the lawmakers for their support.
He also thanked his predecessor for being a “very supportive and loyal as deputy speaker,” assuring the people of Lagos of the lawmakers’ commitment to serving and protecting their interest.
He said his reinstatement is a testament to the assembly’s ability to carry out its legislative duties and navigate internal challenges.
“What is happening here today shows that Lagos State House of Assembly is very capable and is a house of integrity – a mature house that has internal mechanisms to resolve in the interest of the institution and our party,” he said.
Earlier in her speech, Meranda who represents Apapa Constituency 1 said amid tears that she opted to “make a personal sacrifice by stepping down as the speaker of this great assembly…in deference to our esteemed political leaders.”
“I did not arrive at this decision lightly. Indeed, I took it with careful consideration all the primary and integral circumstances that accumulated in my election as Speaker on the 13th of January, 2025.
“With your unflinching support, I made history as the first female Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, and I value and cherish the solidarity freely given to me.
“I am not a quitter. However, I took the above decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment,” she said.
One noticeable thing at yesterday’s plenary was the fact that Meranda had within a space of 49 days built a clan of supporters as many lawmakers spoke in turns, eulogising her and her good qualities.
Moving the motion under matters of public importance, Mr Aro Moshood said, “Today, I stand in the house with a deep respect of leadership. Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, I want to appreciate your leadership style since you have started piloting the affairs of the house.
“Madam Speaker, under your leadership, we have witnessed a new focus, presiding with passion. You have been a source of inspiration to us. Thank you, may God bless you.”
