Embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has claimed that his successor, Mojisola Meranda, has resigned from her position. Obasa made the assertion during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday evening, insisting that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the House despite his removal by colleagues in January.
Obasa stated that Meranda openly declared her resignation during a meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Marina. He also addressed the recent withdrawal of Meranda’s security aides, contrasting it with the reinstatement of his own security detail. “When my security was withdrawn without my consent, did I complain? At the Marina meeting, Meranda herself said she had stepped down. When you resign, the paraphernalia of office is removed,” Obasa said.
Obasa Maintains Legitimacy as Speaker
Obasa further argued that his removal by 36 out of 40 members of the House was invalid, as it did not follow the proper rules and procedures of the House and the Constitution. “I have never been removed. I am not against removal, but it must follow the rules of the House and the Constitution,” he asserted.
Earlier on Thursday, Obasa arrived at the Assembly complex under heavy security and presided over a plenary session with only four members reportedly present. The move has further escalated the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which has been marred by political tensions and power struggles since Obasa’s removal in January.
Background of the Crisis
The leadership crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 36 members of the 40-member House voted to remove Obasa as Speaker and elected Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. However, Obasa has consistently rejected his removal, claiming it was unconstitutional and orchestrated by political opponents.
The crisis deepened on Thursday when Obasa stormed the Assembly complex with armed police and civil defense personnel, forcibly reopening the Speaker’s office and presiding over a plenary session. The development has left the Assembly in disarray, with lawmakers and staff divided over the legitimacy of Obasa’s actions.
Meranda’s Alleged Resignation
Obasa’s claim that Meranda has resigned has yet to be independently verified. If true, it would mark a dramatic turn in the leadership crisis and potentially pave the way for Obasa’s return to the Speaker’s seat. However, Meranda’s camp has not issued any official statement confirming her resignation, leaving the situation unclear.
Calls for Resolution
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about the stability of the Lagos State House of Assembly and its ability to function effectively. Stakeholders, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and leaders of the APC, have been urged to intervene and resolve the dispute to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The withdrawal of Meranda’s security aides and the reinstatement of Obasa’s security detail have also sparked debates about the role of security agencies in political disputes. Critics have called for neutrality and professionalism in handling such situations to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Mudashiru Obasa’s claim that Mojisola Meranda has resigned as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing leadership crisis. As the situation unfolds, the need for a swift and constitutional resolution becomes increasingly urgent to restore stability and ensure the effective functioning of the Assembly.
The crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to due process and the rule of law in political transitions. With tensions running high, all parties must prioritize dialogue and compromise to resolve the dispute and uphold the integrity of Lagos State’s legislative institution.
