The Lagos High Court’s decision to overturn the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has come as little surprise to seasoned political observers. Many had anticipated this outcome after reports emerged that Obasa declined to withdraw his lawsuit against the Assembly, despite earlier agreements made during peace talks.
Background to the Impeachment
On January 13, 2025, Obasa was impeached by 36 out of 40 Assembly members, who accused him of financial mismanagement, authoritarian leadership, and abuse of office. In his place, the Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was elected. Obasa’s removal marked a significant political upheaval in Lagos, causing widespread tension among key stakeholders and political groups.
Legal Battle and Court Verdict
Dissatisfied with his ousting, Obasa approached the court on February 12, 2025, challenging the legitimacy of the impeachment process. He argued that the Assembly was on recess and that he was outside the country when the removal took place. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, in her ruling, declared the impeachment proceedings unconstitutional and voided all actions taken by the Assembly on that day.
Allegations of Manipulation
In the wake of the court ruling, the pro-Lagos group, Agenda for New Lagos (ANL), accused Obasa of strategically using the judiciary to invalidate his impeachment. The group’s Protem Chairman, Kamal Olorunnisola, alleged that Assembly members were deceived into accepting Obasa’s resignation after Meranda’s election, labeling it a political ploy. ANL further argued that Obasa had never been lawfully removed and that Meranda’s tenure as Speaker was illegitimate. They warned that the nullification could see the previously dismissed Clerk of the Assembly reinstated as well.
Tinubu’s Mediation and Political Dealings
Prior to the court’s final decision, President Bola Tinubu intervened in the crisis, dispatching political heavyweights, including Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, to mediate. Their efforts culminated in a peace accord under which Meranda agreed to resign, facilitating Obasa’s return to power.
However, controversies continue to swirl. Some speculated that the peace deal included a condition for Obasa to resign within 48 hours to allow for the emergence of a new Speaker from Lagos West. The All Progressives Congress (APC), through its spokesperson Seye Oladejo, denied any such arrangement, emphasizing that the negotiations were centered around sacrifices necessary for party unity.
Sanwo-Olu’s Political Future at Risk
Amidst these developments, attention has turned to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who, though a stakeholder in the Assembly crisis, has remained publicly silent. Sources suggest that there are covert moves to force Sanwo-Olu’s resignation, which could see his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, complete his term. This maneuver is perceived as a strategic move to clear the path for Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, to run for governor in 2027.
Caution from Political Elders
Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), Alternate Chairman of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has warned Governor Sanwo-Olu to be vigilant. He asserted that Obasa, now firmly reinstated and strengthened, has been effectively crowned the leader of the Lagos APC in President Tinubu’s absence. Olanrewaju suggested that Sanwo-Olu could become a casualty of the political reconfigurations, warning that “by the Abuja action,” Obasa’s enhanced status poses a serious threat to the governor’s political survival.
