Tinubu, Obasa on Edge As Observers Warn Meranda’s Removal Could Deepen Lagos Crisis

The political scene in Lagos State has been thrown into turmoil following the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025. The sudden move has deepened rifts within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising tensions ahead of the upcoming local government elections…….READ MORE

Obasa, who presided over the Lagos State House of Assembly for a decade, was impeached while abroad, fueling rumors of a power tussle within the APC. Despite his ousting, Obasa refuses to vacate the Speaker’s official residence, claiming his impeachment was procedurally flawed.

“I believe I am still the Speaker until the right thing is done. If you want to remove me, do it properly, and I will not contest it,” Obasa declared to his supporters, while dismissing fraud allegations against him.

Obasa’s strong ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, often seen as the political godfather of Lagos, made him a formidable figure. Sources close to the presidency revealed Tinubu strategically kept Obasa in power to maintain a check on governors and ensure control over Lagos politics.

However, Obasa’s rising influence and perceived defiance reportedly angered Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APC leaders. Tensions peaked when Obasa arrived late for the 2025 budget presentation, hinting at his own gubernatorial ambitions.

“For him to challenge such an establishment, he had to face the consequences,” said Muiz Banire, former APC legal adviser.

Following Obasa’s defiance, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) reportedly pushed for his removal. Obasa’s impeachment was orchestrated in his absence, with Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda swiftly appointed as his replacement. However, insiders claim this move misjudged Tinubu’s stance, as sources suggest the President was not directly involved in the impeachment.

In a shocking twist, federal investigators refused to arrest Obasa despite corruption allegations. Instead, two lawmakers instrumental in the impeachment—Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu—were detained. Their arrest sparked outrage, with other lawmakers storming the security agency’s office to demand their release.

Tinubu reportedly instructed that if Obasa isn’t reinstated, the next Speaker must come from Lagos-West to maintain the state’s political balance. Currently:

• Governor Sanwo-Olu is from Lagos-Central.
• Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat is from Lagos-East.
• Obasa is from Lagos-West, the largest and most politically influential district.

Obasa’s impeachment leaves Lagos-West unrepresented, triggering discontent among APC factions. Political insiders warn this imbalance could fracture the party ahead of local elections, especially with Tinubu needing to consolidate power after losing Lagos to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.

Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker in Lagos, enjoys support from traditional rulers, including her brother, Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Victoria Island. However, pressure is mounting within the APC to replace her with a Lawmaker from Lagos-West, like Adedamola Kasunmu, Tinubu’s nephew, or Setonji David Samuel, from the marginalized Badagry region.

Observers warn that removing Meranda could risk further instability at a time when Lagos faces economic challenges.