Lagos Speakership Crisis Deepens As GAC Meeting Ends In Stalemate

Despite high hopes for a resolution, GAC Secretary Mutiu Are declined to comment when contacted, stating that the council does not make public statements about its deliberations.

A reliable source at the meeting told The Guardian that most GAC members are in favor of keeping Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, signaling a power shift in the state’s political dynamics.

The source explained that many members are now aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as President Bola Tinubu is preoccupied with national matters and unlikely to intervene directly.

“The game was essentially set before the meeting. The majority of GAC members are supporting Meranda to remain Speaker, signaling a shift in political control under Governor Sanwo-Olu,” the source shared.

During the meeting, Senator Anthony Adefuye and M.A. Taiwo strongly criticized the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, calling it a “coup.”

“They claimed that when President Tinubu was informed about Obasa’s impeachment, he referred to it as a ‘coup,’” the source said.

Despite objections from some party elders, GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi informed attendees that Tinubu had directed Meranda to stay as Speaker for now, pending a formal meeting with him.

To facilitate a final resolution, Olusi reportedly asked senior lawmakers in the Lagos Assembly to submit three names for consideration by President Tinubu.

The shortlisted lawmakers are:

– Temitope Adedeji (Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1) – David Setonji (Badagry Constituency II) – Wale Rauf (Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II)