Over a month after his controversial reinstatement, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has yet to reconvene plenary sessions, leaving the legislative arm of the state in a state of paralysis. The prolonged delay has raised alarm across the political spectrum, as essential legislative duties remain suspended, and governance activities begin to feel the strain.
Despite returning to office since March 3, 2025, following a party-led reversal of his impeachment, Obasa has not resumed full legislative operations. Sources within the Assembly allege that the Speaker remains fixated on internal politics—particularly efforts to remove all records referencing Hon. Mojisola Meranda as a former Speaker during his absence.
A Deepening Power Struggle
On January 13, 2025, while Obasa was on vacation in the United States, 32 out of 40 lawmakers voted to impeach him, citing allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, highhandedness, and abuse of office. Meranda, then Deputy Speaker, was unanimously elected to replace him.
Upon his return, Obasa dismissed the impeachment as unconstitutional and secured the backing of key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC). Under pressure from party leadership, the Assembly reversed the impeachment, reinstating Obasa and returning Meranda to her former role.
Since then, however, Obasa has reportedly focused on removing all official references to Meranda’s brief tenure as Speaker—a move some lawmakers interpret as an attempt to erase political embarrassment and reassert dominance within the Assembly.
Legal Tensions Unresolved
Despite his reinstatement, Obasa continues to pursue legal action against the House over the impeachment. The case, filed at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenges the legality of his removal during recess and seeks to establish the constitutional boundaries of legislative procedure. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 17, 2025, where pending motions, including issues of jurisdiction and interim injunctions, will be addressed.
Legal observers say the case could set a precedent for future legislative conflicts across the country, particularly regarding leadership changes during recess periods.
Legislative Inertia Hampers Governance
The indefinite suspension of plenary sessions has stalled numerous legislative actions, including the review and passage of bills tied to the 2025 Local Government elections and other pressing state matters. Analysts and civil society organizations have warned that the vacuum may negatively impact policy continuity and oversight functions.
“There’s a growing perception of instability,” said a policy analyst in Alausa. “The Speaker appears more focused on internal clean-up than the legislative priorities that directly affect Lagosians.”
Mounting Pressure for Resolution
With critical state activities in limbo and the Local Government elections approaching, pressure is mounting on the APC leadership to resolve the impasse. Observers believe that only decisive intervention from top party officials can break the current stalemate.
Meanwhile, Lagos residents, civil society groups, and concerned lawmakers are demanding accountability and urging Speaker Obasa to prioritize governance over internal disputes.
Lagostrend will continue to provide verified updates and insider developments as the situation unfolds within the Lagos State House of Assembly.