The lingering speakership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly may soon be resolved following the intervention of top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, paving the way for a potential leadership reshuffle.
Sources revealed that both the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, might step aside to allow a new lawmaker to lead the House, as part of efforts to restore stability.
This follows the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who dispatched an influential APC delegation—including former governors Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos)—to mediate and find a lasting solution after the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) failed to resolve the crisis.
The leadership debacle erupted on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers impeached Obasa over allegations of poor leadership, high-handedness, absenteeism, abuse of office, and misappropriation. Meranda, then Deputy Speaker, was swiftly installed as Speaker.
Obasa, who was in Atlanta, U.S., during the impeachment, rejected his removal and has since challenged it in court, insisting due process was not followed.
However, recent meetings between APC heavyweights, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and GAC members at the Governor’s Lodge, Marina, have yielded promising outcomes. A GAC member disclosed that the party is considering appointing a new Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial District, avoiding Lagos Central, which is already represented by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
One prominent contender is David Setonji, the Chief Whip of the House, representing Badagry Constituency II. With a decade of legislative experience, Setonji’s seniority and political track record reportedly make him a frontrunner.
As part of the political settlement, Obasa is expected to withdraw his legal challenge against the House and Meranda. “Both Obasa and Meranda will step down, and a consensus candidate from Lagos West will emerge as Speaker,” a top APC source confirmed.
The GAC Chairman, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, confirmed that the party is mediating. “It’s part of the party’s responsibility to resolve internal conflicts. We are listening to all sides, and at the appropriate time, we will present our conclusions,” he said.
With negotiations nearing completion, political insiders anticipate an announcement within the next week, potentially bringing an end to the crisis that has gripped the Lagos State Assembly for over a month.
Comments