The reinstatement of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly after a 49-day impeachment saga has dominated the headlines, showcasing the tumultuous political landscape within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The dramatic turn of events unfolded yesterday as Mojisola Meranda, who assumed the Speaker’s position following Obasa’s removal, gracefully stepped down, reverting to her previous role as Deputy Speaker.
The crisis first erupted when 32 out of the 40 lawmakers decided to impeach Obasa while he was away on vacation in the United States. The allegations leveled against him ranged from gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, high-handedness, lack of transparency, to abuse of office. However, upon his return, Obasa vehemently refuted these accusations, maintaining his stance as the legitimate Speaker.
Amid mounting pressure from the party hierarchy, the lawmakers eventually rescinded their decision on Monday. Notable figures such as APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, former national chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) convened at the House of Assembly complex under tight security to finalize the discussions.
It came to light that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with the unilateral impeachment process, leading to his intervention and the subsequent directive for Obasa’s reinstatement. Despite this reinstatement, speculations hint at the possibility of a new Speaker emerging soon as part of a broader consensus among party leaders.
The atmosphere at the Assembly was palpably tense as the plenary session, scheduled for 1 p.m., faced delays due to a crucial meeting chaired by the APC Chairman. Following the meeting, the plenary finally commenced, and Meranda formally announced her resignation, evoking emotional reactions from several lawmakers who hailed her leadership as a beacon of democracy.
In the wake of the leadership transition, principal officers of the House tendered their resignations. Deputy Speaker Fatai Mojeed was demoted to Chief Whip, while other lawmakers were reassigned to different roles within the legislative framework. The realignment of positions aimed to recalibrate the dynamics within the Assembly following the reinstatement of Obasa.
In a heartfelt statement, Meranda articulated her decision to resign, emphasizing her commitment to party unity, peace within the House, and overall stability in Lagos State. Her voluntary sacrifice underscored her dedication to upholding the integrity of the institution amidst political turmoil.
Obasa, who had initiated legal action challenging his impeachment, is anticipated to withdraw the lawsuit, signaling a willingness to engage in internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the Assembly. Expressing gratitude to party stalwarts and government officials for their unwavering support, Obasa reiterated his confidence in the legislative body’s capacity to navigate through internal conflicts.
The APC’s state chapter hailed the resolution as a victory for democracy, highlighting the party’s adherence to democratic principles and internal conflict resolution mechanisms. Party spokesman Hon. Oluseye Oladejo underscored the importance of adhering to party guidance in resolving contentious issues, underscoring the commitment of the Assembly members to fulfilling their mandate as representatives of the people.
As the political saga in Lagos State continues to unfold, the reinstatement of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa serves as a testament to the intricate interplay of power dynamics, party politics, and democratic processes within the state’s legislative landscape. The evolving narrative underscores the resilience of democratic institutions in navigating through turbulent waters, paving the way for renewed dialogue, collaboration, and governance.
