Tinubu Orders Lagos Lawmakers To Reinstate Obasa As Speaker Amidst Controversy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly exerting pressure on members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, just three weeks after his impeachment.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Tinubu urged lawmakers over the weekend to consider allowing Obasa’s return, citing the potential political consequences. Out of the 40 members of the Lagos Assembly, all but two belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

A senior Lagos politician who attended weekend meetings disclosed to Peoples Gazette, “The president has instructed that we start preparing for Obasa’s return. He mentioned that Obasa will only stay briefly before stepping down on his own terms.”

Another insider added, “We’ve agreed to let him return to give him a smooth exit, as the political fallout of allowing this issue to drag on is too severe.” However, some lawmakers remain uncomfortable with the decision, especially those who were involved in his impeachment on January 13, 2025.

One legislator warned, “Reinstating him would be like trying to appease a snake after cutting off its head—the danger could be disastrous.”

A critical meeting is set for Monday in Abuja, where lawmakers who have not yet supported Tinubu’s directive will be persuaded. A senior political operative said, “While many of us have agreed to bring him back, we cannot predict how this situation will unfold.”

Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13 after a report revealed allegations of misappropriating billions in procurement allocations for vehicles and other items that were never received. His impeachment led to the appointment of Lasbat Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, with at least 32 out of 40 lawmakers supporting the change.

Despite his removal, Obasa has refused to vacate the Speaker’s official residence on Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja G.R.A. He was abroad when the impeachment took place, and upon his return to Nigeria, he reportedly went directly to the Speaker’s Lodge instead of his private home.

A source told Peoples Gazette, “Initially, he claimed he needed to collect his personal belongings, but he has not left since. Madam Speaker has been too intimidated to take over the lodge forcefully.”

It remains unclear what role First Lady Remi Tinubu may have played in her husband’s push for Obasa’s reinstatement. However, reports suggest that her intervention helped prevent Obasa’s arrest by the EFCC, though she did not oppose a corruption probe into his handling of public funds.