Shockwave In Lagos Assembly: Obasa, Meranda Set To Resign As House Reconvenes!

Reports suggest that their resignation is part of an agreement reached by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to facilitate the emergence of a new Speaker from Lagos West, expected to be announced on Wednesday.

The Assembly has been entangled in a leadership crisis since January 13, 2025, when 32 out of 40 lawmakers ousted Obasa and installed Meranda as Speaker. Obasa, however, contested his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed.

Tensions escalated further on February 27 when Obasa, accompanied by heavy security, forcefully entered the Assembly and held a controversial plenary session with only four lawmakers, insisting he was still the legitimate Speaker. The next day, over 35 lawmakers attended a Lagos High Court hearing in Ikeja, with the case adjourned to March 7.

The crisis has deepened divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, with the GAC and party members split between Obasa and Meranda. The turmoil has also fueled the rivalry between the party’s two dominant factions—the Justice Forum and the Mandate Movement.

House Resumes Plenary Amid Tension

Despite the ongoing dispute, lawmakers are set to reconvene on Monday, March 3. A message from the Acting Clerk on Sunday instructed legislative staff to report for duty as normal business resumes.

However, earlier on Sunday, the House had directed all staff and legislative aides to work remotely until further notice due to safety concerns arising from the leadership tussle.

A memo from Acting Clerk Babatunde Abubakar emphasized the need to protect staff and prevent potential violence, given the heightened tensions within the Assembly