Speakership Tussle: I’ve Resumed, Says Obasa

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Mudashiru Obasa, a lawmaker from Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, claims to have resumed speaking for the 40-member assembly.

On Thursday afternoon, he stated to reporters on the House’s premises, “Obasa is the speaker.”

Asked whether he has been reinstated as speaker, Obasa said, “I’ve never been removed. Democratic and constitutional laws require removal or impeachment, but it is necessary to do so in accordance with the law. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic”.

Meanwhile, a group of lawmakers loyal to the lawmaker, who represents Apapa Constituency I, Mojisola Meranda, rejected Obasa, insisting that Meranda remained the speaker.

As he entered the hallowed chambers on Thursday, Obasa showed up at the Assembly Complex and was escorted by a retinue of uniformed security personnel with armed, stern-looking uniforms. Thursday’s appearance was Obasa’s first in the Assembly since his removal as Lagos speaker on Monday, January 13, 2025.

His supporters gathered at the Assembly Complex entrance to chant and cheer on the lawmaker who represents Agege Constituency I in the 40-member House in a show of solidarity.

When more than two-thirds of the house voted him out because of alleged misconduct and other offenses, Obasa was removed as Lagos speaker in January.

Obasa’s then deputy, Meranda, was immediately elected the new Speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the South-West state.

Meranda’s feat marks a historic milestone for Lagos and Nigeria. Photo: X@ojisolalawal4u

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Obasa was elected to the House in 2007 for the first time. Since then, he has been in the chamber. Before being fired in January 2025, he first started speaking in June 2015.

Obasa resigned from his position as speaker on January 25, 2025, and pleaded with him to hold onto his position until the right thing was done. He criticized the assembly complex’ militarisation during the impeachment process. He also claimed that while he was away from Nigeria, he was removed as speaker.

However, 36 lawmakers who are close to Meranda argued that Meranda’s removal was final and that she would continue to be House speaker.