Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has confirmed that he has officially resumed his duties, putting to rest speculations about his position amid deepening internal tensions within the Assembly.
Obasa made the declaration on Tuesday after arriving at the Assembly complex under heavy security, accompanied by operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), police, and civil defence corps. The dramatic arrival, which saw the Speaker flanked by armed personnel, underscores the political uncertainty that has gripped Nigeria’s most prominent state legislature in recent weeks.
A House Divided?
The confirmation of Obasa’s resumption follows days of mounting speculation that some lawmakers within the All Progressives Congress (APC)-dominated Assembly were plotting a leadership shake-up. Obasa’s hold on power, which has spanned nearly a decade, has come under strain from internal critics accusing him of high-handedness and financial opacity.
Although the Speaker downplayed reports of internal dissent, describing his resumption as business as usual, his need for such a visible security presence tells a more complicated story. In Nigerian politics, especially at the state level, the deployment of security personnel to legislative chambers often signals an impending crisis either an impeachment attempt or a leadership challenge.
Obasa’s Grip on Power
Obasa, who became Speaker in 2015, has survived multiple allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In 2020, a high-profile media investigation accused him of misappropriating Assembly funds, awarding contracts to companies linked to him, and presiding over a legislature with minimal financial transparency. Despite the storm, Obasa retained both his seat and his influence, thanks in large part to his close ties to key political powerbrokers within the APC structure in Lagos.
Security as a Political Tool?
While Obasa’s arrival under the guard of DSS operatives and police officers was framed as a routine security measure, it could also serve a more strategic purpose, signaling strength to both allies and rivals within the Assembly. In Nigerian legislative politics, physical control of the Assembly complex is often the first step to maintaining or seizing power. By physically occupying the Speaker’s seat under the watchful eye of armed operatives, Obasa has sent a clear message that he is still firmly in control.
What Lies Ahead?
With Obasa back in the Speaker’s chair, the Lagos Assembly faces a crucial test of its internal cohesion. If the rumored dissent within the House evolves into a full-blown leadership contest, the political fallout could reverberate across Lagos State, especially with the 2027 elections already on the horizon. On the other hand, if Obasa successfully consolidates his position, the episode may go down as another failed coup in Nigeria’s long history of legislative intrigues.
