In a dramatic twist to the ongoing leadership tussle at the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa reportedly stormed the Assembly complex on Tuesday, attempting to force his way into the office of the newly elected Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Tobun Meranda.
Obasa, who served as Speaker from 2015 until his controversial removal, arrived at the Assembly premises accompanied by a small group of loyalists. Witnesses say the former Speaker appeared agitated and insisted that he was still the rightful occupant of the office.
Tensions flared as security operatives stationed at the Assembly initially blocked Obasa’s path, leading to a heated exchange between both parties. The former Speaker reportedly pushed past security personnel before attempting to physically gain access to the Speaker’s office.
A Battle Over Legitimacy
Obasa’s removal has been the subject of political controversy, with his loyalists questioning the legitimacy of the process that led to his ouster. His dramatic appearance at the Assembly is seen by analysts as an open rejection of the new leadership, further deepening the crisis within Lagos’ ruling party.
Sources within the Assembly revealed that Obasa claims his impeachment was unconstitutional and orchestrated by external forces within the Lagos political establishment. By physically trying to reclaim his office, Obasa is believed to be sending a symbolic message, that the leadership dispute is far from over.
A Complex Power Struggle
The internal power struggle at the Lagos State House of Assembly reflects broader political tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Obasa, who had built a formidable political network during his years as Speaker, is believed to have fallen out of favour with certain powerful figures within the party.
Observers say the confrontation could trigger a wider political realignment in Lagos, with Obasa’s faction potentially challenging the state party leadership ahead of future elections.
What Next?
For now, Speaker Meranda has retained control of the office, and Assembly proceedings continued under his leadership. However, the bold move by Obasa has cast a spotlight on the fragile state of internal party unity in Nigeria’s most politically significant state.
The coming days will reveal whether Obasa’s defiance is the beginning of a larger fightback, or the final act of a Speaker unwilling to bow out quietly.
Lagos Assembly crisis, Mudashiru Obasa, Abiodun Tobun Meranda, Lagos politics, APC Lagos, Lagos State House of Assembly
