Babatunji Wusu –
- Presidential Intervention: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on senior members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to help mediate the ongoing leadership dispute in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
- High-Level Meeting: A meeting involving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former governors, and other APC leaders was convened on Sunday to discuss the crisis, with discussions continuing late into the night.
- Speaker Dispute: The main issue revolves around the ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s desire to return to the position, while current Speaker Mojisola Meranda faces increasing pressure to step down.
- Possible Compromise: There are reports suggesting that Meranda may resign in favor of Setonji David, a lawmaker from Badagry, as part of a compromise to resolve the deadlock.
- Pressure and Resignation: Meranda’s resignation has been a subject of ongoing pressure and discussions, though official announcements have yet to be made.
In an urgent attempt to address the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mobilized key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mediate the situation. According to reports from The PUNCH, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside former governors Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, convened a high-level meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, on Sunday. Other notable attendees included members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and APC leadership figures like Cornelius Ojelabi and Tunde Balogun. The meeting, still ongoing late Sunday, is part of efforts to find a solution to the speakership dispute between the ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the current Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
The crisis first erupted on January 13, 2025, when the majority of lawmakers voted to remove Obasa from the position of Speaker, replacing him with Meranda. Since then, Obasa has contested his removal in court, arguing that it occurred during the Assembly’s recess.
The APC leadership is reportedly considering a compromise that could see Meranda step down in favor of Setonji David, a lawmaker from Badagry. This solution is seen as an attempt to ensure fair representation, particularly for Lagos West, which currently lacks a prominent position in the state’s leadership. Sources close to the Presidency confirmed ongoing consultations, indicating that Meranda may indeed resign.
However, Meranda has faced mounting pressure to step down, with multiple meetings held in an effort to resolve the matter. A letter suggesting her resignation surfaced recently, though it was never formally presented in the Assembly. Meranda’s aide, Segun Ajiboye, has denied claims of her resignation.
Public discussions on social media, such as those from Facebook user Ayoade Adeniyi, indicate uncertainty about the final resolution. While some lawmakers are reportedly open to supporting an alternative candidate, the reinstatement of Obasa could result in significant backlash, further complicating the crisis.
