In a stunning turn of events that has shocked political observers across Nigeria, Mudashiru Obasa has been reinstated as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, just 49 days after his controversial removal.
Obasa’s Removal and Meranda’s Rise
On January 13, 2025, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was removed as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The decision came swiftly, with 35 out of 40 lawmakers voting in favor of his removal. The reasons cited included allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office, charges that had long shadowed Obasa’s tenure.
Notably, Obasa was not in Nigeria at the time of his ousting, adding a layer of intrigue to the proceedings. In his absence, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first woman to hold the position in the state.
Her 49-day tenure, though brief, began with promise. Despite initial uncertainties and tight security shadowing her every step, Meranda garnered significant support from the majority of lawmakers, reflecting a period of relative stability amid the storm.
READ ALSO: End of an era: Behind Obasa’s sudden impeachment as Lagos Speaker
January 25, 2025: Obasa’s Return and Defiance
Obasa returned to Nigeria on January 25, 2025, landing in Lagos to a crowd of supporters and journalists. Addressing the press, he declared his impeachment unlawful, insisting that he remained the legitimate Speaker. “This removal was a sham—I was not given a fair hearing,” Obasa declared, arguing that the process violated procedural norms, particularly since he was abroad during the vote and unable to defend himself.
His bold stance fueled speculation about his next move, with many expecting a prolonged legal battle or even an investigation into the allegations against him. Few anticipated that he would reclaim his position so swiftly—or at all.
February 17, 2025: Meranda’s Vote of Confidence
By mid-February, Mojisola Meranda’s leadership had solidified. On February 17, 2025, during a plenary session, she received a vote of confidence from the majority of lawmakers, a testament to her effective tenure. This endorsement highlighted a rare moment of unity, as most members rallied behind her, appreciating her efforts to steady the assembly after Obasa’s tumultuous exit. However, this goodwill would soon be tested.
February 28, 2025: Obasa Storms the Assembly
Defying expectations, Obasa made a dramatic return to the assembly premises on February 28, 2025. Accompanied by heavy security, he stormed the complex in a show of force, signaling his intent to reclaim the speakership. Reports indicated that he declared himself speaker that day, though the formal reinstatement would come later.
On the same day, a significant shift occurred: the security personnel attached to Hon. Mojisola Meranda were abruptly withdrawn, only to be reinstated shortly after, reflecting the chaotic power struggle within the assembly.
March 3, 2025: Obasa’s Reinstatement
Just 49 days after his removal, on March 3, 2025, Mudashiru Obasa was officially sworn in as Speaker once again. The reinstatement followed Meranda’s resignation as Speaker and reinstatement as Deputy Speaker, though the circumstances surrounding her exit remain unclear—some suggest it was part of a negotiated deal to resolve the crisis. Obasa’s return stunned observers, as the general expectation had been that he would avoid plenary sessions altogether, let alone resume his role.
Even more surprising was the lack of immediate investigation into the alleged crimes that had prompted his initial removal. His re-emergence as speaker, despite these unresolved accusations, has sparked debates about the integrity of the legislative process.
A Dangerous Precedent
The reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa sets a troubling precedent for Nigeria’s legislative arm. When a public official faces serious allegations of misconduct, the expectation is that they would be thoroughly investigated and, if necessary, tried in a court of law—not returned to a position of power without resolution.
Obasa’s swift return, bypassing accountability, risks undermining public trust in the assembly and normalizing a cycle of impunity. If lawmakers can remove and reinstate leaders amidst unresolved criminal accusations, it weakens the democratic checks and balances essential to governance.
This episode in Lagos could also give courage to similar power plays elsewhere, threatening the stability and credibility of legislative institutions across the country.
