Tinubu Fingers Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Causative Agent of Lagos Assembly Crisis

By MOHAMMED DANBABA

President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Speaker Mudashiru Obasa after his controversial impeachment, pointing out that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the causative agent of the Lagos Assembly crisis.

Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos Assembly Crisis, Blocks Executive Influence

The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly escalated after Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. However, President Bola Tinubu intervened to reinstate Obasa, citing concerns about Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s involvement in the impeachment process.

During a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, the president met with Speaker Obasa, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, and other Lagos lawmakers to resolve the leadership dispute. Sources present at the meeting confirmed that the President was disturbed by the Lagos executive’s influence in Obasa’s removal.

“At the meeting, the President explained that the reason why Obasa escaped impeachment was because he saw the strong involvement of the Lagos executive, led by Governor Sanwo-Olu, in the Speaker’s removal,” a source disclosed.

Tinubu: Lawmakers Flown to Abuja for Emergency Meeting

To address the growing political turmoil, President Tinubu

arranged a chartered flight to transport all Lagos Assembly members to Abuja. Upon arrival, the lawmakers were escorted into the Presidential Villa for the crucial meeting.

• Obasa and Meranda Claim Speakership as Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens
• https://crediblenews.com.ng/rivers-state-2025-budget-governor-fubara-to/

Notably, Speaker Obasa, whose reinstatement has fueled tensions within the Assembly, arrived separately around 3:00 PM.

Obasa’s Impeachment and Reinstatement: The Power Struggle

The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa was initially celebrated by lawmakers as a step toward accountability. However, behind-the-scenes pressure from top APC leaders, backed by the President, led to his controversial reinstatement.

Mojisola Meranda, who was briefly installed as Speaker after Obasa’s removal, was forced to step down following the President’s intervention. As part of a political compromise, she was later appointed Deputy Speaker. Despite these adjustments, many lawmakers remain unhappy, viewing Tinubu’s role as excessive interference.

Tinubu Rebukes Obasa for Late Arrival

During the meeting, President Tinubu reportedly scolded Obasa for arriving late.

“The Speaker was lambasted for coming late as always. The President spent the first 10 minutes dressing him down,” a source revealed.

Tinubu’s Resolutions on Lagos Assembly Crisis

After listening to arguments from both sides—the lawmakers opposing Obasa’s return and those supporting him—Tinubu made several key decisions:

• Obasa to Remain as Speaker: Tinubu urged lawmakers to allow Obasa to retain his position.
• Court Cases to Be Withdrawn: The President directed Obasa to withdraw all legal applications challenging his removal.
• Assembly Leadership Structure to Remain Intact: Tinubu ruled that all current principal officers and committee chairmen should retain their positions.

“The President pleaded that we should allow the Speaker to return as the Speaker. And he directed the Speaker (Obasa) to go and withdraw his legal applications from the court,” a source disclosed.

Lagos Assembly Clerk Dispute Remains Unresolved

Despite the President’s resolutions, one major issue remains unresolved—the selection of the Lagos Assembly Clerk.

“The Speaker wants the former clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, while all the other lawmakers want the current clerk, Taiwo Ottun, to remain in office,” a source explained.

Since the matter is already in court, the President advised lawmakers to allow the judiciary to determine the final decision.

Political Implications of Tinubu’s Intervention

The President’s intervention in the Lagos Assembly crisis highlights his continued influence over Lagos State politics. While his actions have temporarily restored stability, many lawmakers remain uneasy about his high level of involvement in legislative affairs.

With Obasa’s reinstatement and the directive to withdraw legal battles, the APC leadership aims to maintain party unity ahead of future elections. However, growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers could pose challenges for the party’s internal cohesion in Lagos.

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Sahara Reporters