Mudashiru Obasa has dramatically returned to his position as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the unexpected resignation of Mojisola Meranda on Monday. This marks a significant reversal of political fortunes in Nigeria’s economic capital, coming just months after Obasa was controversially impeached by his colleagues.
Meranda, who stepped down with immediate effect, had been serving as the Assembly’s Speaker since January when lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to remove Obasa from the position. Her sudden resignation paved the way for Obasa’s reinstatement during Monday’s plenary session, though details of the circumstances leading to this abrupt leadership change remain unclear.
The political drama began in January when Obasa faced impeachment supported by over 90 percent of Lagos lawmakers. At that time, Assembly members leveled serious accusations against the veteran politician, including poor leadership style, high-handedness, frequent lateness to plenary sessions, abuse of office, and intimidation of colleagues.
Obasa, who has been a dominant figure in Lagos State politics for years, immediately contested the legitimacy of his removal. He maintained that his impeachment failed to follow constitutional procedures, telling reporters: “My status in the House? I believe strongly I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it.”
The returning Speaker also vehemently denied corruption allegations that surfaced during his impeachment, dismissing claims of financial misappropriation as “impossible.” These assertions now appear vindicated by his return to power, though the Assembly has not issued any formal statement clearing him of the previous accusations.
Political analysts suggest this rapid reversal may indicate behind-the-scenes negotiations among powerful political interests in Lagos State, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains firm control of both executive and legislative branches. The Lagos State House of Assembly serves as a critical institution in Nigeria’s most economically significant state, with oversight responsibilities for an annual budget exceeding one trillion naira.
Obasa’s return to the speakership represents a remarkable political resurrection for the Agege-born politician, who has previously weathered multiple controversies during his tenure in public office. First elected to the Lagos Assembly in 2003, Obasa has maintained his grip on power through several electoral cycles, becoming one of the longest-serving members of the legislative body.
The Lagos State House of Assembly, composed of 40 members representing various constituencies across the state, has historically maintained strong alignment with the executive branch under successive APC governors. The current dynamic between Obasa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be closely watched by political observers, particularly regarding budget implementation and oversight functions.
Meranda’s brief tenure as Speaker now enters the history books as one of the shortest in the Assembly’s recent history. Having been elevated to the position in January, her resignation after approximately two months in office raises questions about the internal political dynamics within the legislative body. As the first female Speaker in the current Assembly, her sudden departure also represents a setback for gender representation in Lagos State politics.
For residents of Lagos, the leadership change comes at a critical time as the state grapples with significant infrastructure challenges, economic pressures, and governance issues. The Assembly plays a vital role in addressing these concerns through legislation, oversight, and representation of constituent interests.
Lawmakers who previously supported Obasa’s impeachment have remained notably quiet about his return, suggesting a potential realignment of political factions within the Assembly. The absence of public dissent against his reinstatement contrasts sharply with the near-unanimous opposition he faced in January.
Political commentators point out that such rapid reversals in legislative leadership are not unprecedented in Nigerian politics, where fluid alliances and pragmatic compromises often characterize governance structures. However, the speed and completeness of Obasa’s political rehabilitation remain remarkable even by these standards.
As he resumes his duties, Obasa faces the challenge of rebuilding relationships with colleagues who previously voted for his removal while simultaneously addressing the substantive governance issues facing Lagos State. His leadership will be scrutinized for signs of change in response to the earlier criticisms of his management style and conduct.
The next few weeks will likely reveal whether this leadership change represents merely a personal victory for Obasa or signals a broader shift in the Assembly’s approach to its constitutional responsibilities. For now, the veteran politician has demonstrated exceptional political resilience in reclaiming one of the most influential legislative positions in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
Neither Governor Sanwo-Olu’s office nor the Lagos State chapter of the APC has issued official statements regarding the change in Assembly leadership, though both will undoubtedly be closely involved in the political realignments that follow this dramatic development.
