The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has unfolded as a dramatic power struggle between former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his deputy-turned-rival, Mojisola Meranda. What began as a political dispute soon escalated into legal battles, security confrontations, and high-profile interventions, including that of President Bola Tinubu.
Despite public appearances of reconciliation, sources suggest that tensions persist behind the scenes. This article provides a detailed timeline of the events, from the controversial impeachment of Obasa to his dramatic return as Speaker and the ongoing legal battles.
JANUARY 13, 2025: OBASA’S IMPEACHMENT AND MERANDA’S ELECTION
The crisis erupted when Mudashiru Obasa was impeached as Speaker by over two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly. Lawmakers cited allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and other offenses. Following his removal, then-Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was elected as Speaker, making history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Read more on Obasa’s re-election here
The impeachment was conducted in Obasa’s absence while he was reportedly out of the country, a fact that would later become a central point in his challenge against the decision.
JANUARY 15, 2025: OBASA TAKES THE FIGHT TO COURT
Refusing to accept his removal, Obasa filed a lawsuit at the Ikeja High Court, arguing that his impeachment was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. His legal team sought an injunction to prevent Meranda from assuming full control of the Assembly.
JANUARY 25, 2025: OBASA DECLARES HIMSELF THE LEGITIMATE SPEAKER
Upon his return to Nigeria, Obasa publicly rejected his impeachment, insisting that he was still the legitimate Speaker. He criticized the process, alleging that it was conducted without proper legislative procedure and occurred in his absence. Read more on Meranda’s resignation here
His faction of supporters condemned the presence of security operatives at the Assembly Complex on the day of his impeachment, calling it an unlawful attempt to forcefully remove him from office.
FEBRUARY 10, 2025: COURT PROCEEDINGS BEGIN
The legal battle intensified as the Ikeja High Court, presided over by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, commenced hearings on Obasa’s suit. Given the urgency of the situation, the court expedited the proceedings, recognizing the need for stability within the legislative arm of government.
FEBRUARY 17, 2025: CHAOS ERUPTS AT THE ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
Tensions escalated within the Assembly as clashes broke out between security agents and legislative workers. Amidst the turmoil, 36 lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Meranda by passing a vote of confidence in her leadership. They subsequently adjourned sittings indefinitely.
This adjournment was seen as an attempt to prevent further confrontations between rival factions.
FEBRUARY 20, 2025: DISPUTE OVER LEGAL REPRESENTATION
As the court hearings progressed, a fresh controversy emerged regarding the legal representation of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa attempted to change the legal counsel representing the Assembly in court without the approval of the majority of lawmakers.
This move was met with strong opposition from the 35 lawmakers who had voted for his impeachment. They argued that since he was no longer Speaker, he had no authority to make such a decision.
FEBRUARY 25, 2025: ARRESTS AMIDST THE POWER STRUGGLE
As tensions escalated, three staff members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were arrested for allegedly assaulting Department of State Services (DSS) operatives during an altercation at the Assembly Complex. The arrests underscored the growing volatility of the crisis.
FEBRUARY 27, 2025: OBASA RETURNS TO THE ASSEMBLY
In a dramatic turn of events, Obasa stormed the Assembly Complex, escorted by armed security operatives. He declared that he was still the legitimate Speaker and vowed to reclaim his position. This move intensified the leadership battle, further polarizing the House.
MARCH 3, 2025: MERANDA RESIGNS, OBASA REINSTATED
After weeks of political uncertainty, Mojisola Meranda resigned as Speaker in what was seen as a move to de-escalate the crisis. Following her resignation, the Assembly members voted to reinstate Obasa as Speaker and Mojisola has deputy Speaker, returning the house to its status quo
MARCH 10, 2025: UNRESOLVED LEGAL DISPUTES OVER COUNSEL
Despite Obasa’s reinstatement, the legal battle over representation continued. The 35 lawmakers opposed Obasa’s unilateral decision to replace the Assembly’s legal team, prompting the court to schedule additional hearings.
MARCH 12, 2025: PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION AND LINGERING TENSIONS
President Tinubu met privately with lawmakers, including both Obasa and Meranda, at the State House. The meeting aimed to solidify peace within the Assembly. However, reports suggest that tensions persist despite the public show of unity.
Although lawmakers were seen singing solidarity chants in support of the president, some sources indicate that internal disputes remain unresolved. Many lawmakers are still unhappy about the rushed nature of Obasa’s reinstatement, given the initial allegations that led to his impeachment.
One of the major points of contention is a dispute over vehicles allegedly purchased by Meranda during her short tenure as Speaker.
According to sources within the Assembly, some lawmakers have raised concerns about official cars procured under Meranda’s leadership, questioning their allocation and whether proper approval processes were followed. This ongoing disagreement has fueled speculations that the leadership crisis is far from over, despite Obasa’s reinstatement.
Some lawmakers reportedly argued that the vehicles were meant for official use by key members of the Assembly, while others accused Meranda of making unilateral decisions regarding the purchases. This internal dispute has added another layer of controversy to an already turbulent political crisis.
A FRAGILE RESOLUTION?
While Obasa has reclaimed his position as Speaker and Meranda has stepped down, the crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly is far from over. The legal battles, internal divisions, and political undercurrents suggest that the struggle for power may not be completely settled.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the leadership dispute has been permanently resolved or if another wave of political and legal drama is on the horizon.
For now, the Lagos Assembly remains under close watch as lawmakers navigate the aftermath of this high-stakes power struggle.
