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In a decisive effort to address the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has directed Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Deputy Speaker Hon. Mojisola Meranda to step down.
The council further announced that a new Speaker would be chosen from Lagos West and officially named on Wednesday.
This resolution comes after a period of intense political turbulence. Last week, Obasa controversially reclaimed his position, holding a plenary session with just four lawmakers despite an ongoing legal battle over his removal. The lawsuit, which involves 35 legislators, was recently heard at the Ikeja High Court and has been adjourned until March 7, 2025.
Addressing the matter during a media briefing, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi emphasized that the lawmakers did not have the authority to unilaterally remove a Speaker without consulting the party. “The decision to remove Obasa was made solely by the lawmakers, without the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the GAC,” he clarified.
Olusi also revealed that the council had no prior knowledge of Obasa’s impeachment. “We learned about it like everyone else—through the media. The lawmakers acted independently,” he stated.
The GAC has since summoned all involved legislators to present their grievances but criticized them for failing to seek the party’s approval before taking such drastic action. “The authority to install or remove leaders rests with the party. Lawmakers do not have absolute power in this matter,” Olusi insisted.
To facilitate a resolution, 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 senior party figures. The committee is currently engaging all stakeholders, including Obasa and Meranda, to ensure a final settlement.
Following the GAC’s deliberations, the following resolutions were reached:
- Mojisola Meranda must resign by Monday.
- Mudashiru Obasa must also step down.
- Both resignation letters must be submitted to the GAC by Wednesday.
- A new Speaker from Lagos West will be announced on Wednesday.
Dismissing reports of internal divisions within the GAC, Olusi maintained that differing opinions among members did not reflect the council’s official stance. He reassured party members that internal dispute resolution mechanisms were in place and urged patience as the matter is being handled.
“This crisis will be resolved soon. Disagreements are natural in politics, but we have established ways to address them within the party,” he stated.
With Obasa and Meranda expected to step down in the coming days, attention now shifts to the GAC’s next move as Lagos State navigates yet another chapter in its evolving political landscape.