The ongoing rift between former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and 32 legislators may soon be resolved through political intervention, sources have revealed.
A highly placed source close to both the Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told BusinessDay on Monday that Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025, lacked the President’s backing and is now being reconsidered.
“They disrespected Baba. They did not carry him along. Baba is not happy they removed Obasa, and he wants him back,” the source disclosed.
Divisions Within the Political Ranks
The impeachment has thrown the Assembly into turmoil, with members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC) deeply divided. “The House is split, the GAC is split, and there’s chaos everywhere. This is not good for anyone,” the source added.
The involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in sealing the Assembly complex has only intensified tensions. While some legislators criticized the DSS presence, the agency insists it was officially invited, leaving the truth unclear.
Impact on Governance and Legislative Functions
Concerned about the impact on governance, the source warned that the crisis could disrupt both legislative and executive functions in Lagos State. “The House has adjourned indefinitely. How will that affect the executive’s work? Political instability hinders development,” the source stated.
The resolution of the crisis is now expected to come from President Tinubu, given his influence over the state’s political structure. “At the end of the day, he will settle it. Everyone in the Assembly is part of the same political family,” the source noted.
Security Takeover at Lagos Assembly
Meanwhile, on Monday, heavily armed DSS and police operatives took over the Assembly premises in Alausa, Ikeja, sealing off the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk. Security personnel were seen frisking passersby, an action linked to Obasa’s impeachment and the subsequent legal battle.
Legal Battle and Allegations of Coup
Following his removal, Obasa sued the state legislators, challenging their decision at the Lagos State High Court, seeking an accelerated hearing. His impeachment was carried out in absentia by 32 out of 40 lawmakers while he was in the U.S., a move President Tinubu reportedly described as a “coup.”
The crisis has sparked fierce debate, particularly within the APC-led GAC, which remains split on whether to reinstate Obasa. Amid the backlash, the DSS clarified that its operatives were deployed based on a formal request.
DSS Justification for Security Deployment
A DSS statement issued Monday cited a letter from Acting Clerk A.T.B. Ottun, dated February 14, 2025, warning of a planned forceful reinstatement of Obasa on February 18, which posed a security risk. The Assembly management, in its own correspondence, acknowledged seeking DSS intervention over fears of unrest.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions
Political figures, including Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have condemned the security deployment. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Rhodes-Vivour decried the development, likening it to military-era tactics.
“The Lagos Assembly is the people’s House, a symbol of our democratic values. The militarization of the complex is an assault on democracy and the separation of powers,” he tweeted.
Awaiting Tinubu’s Final Decision
As tensions remain high, all eyes are now on Tinubu, whose intervention could determine the next chapter in Lagos State’s political landscape.
