Lagos Speakership Tussle: GAC Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention on Lagos Assembly Crisis

The controversy over the removal of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has escalated, prompting the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to meet with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. The leaders briefed Tinubu on their deadlocked discussions with lawmakers on Tuesday as they sought a resolution to the ongoing power struggle.

According to Naija News, the GAC convened an emergency meeting on Monday with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to address the deepening leadership crisis. The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 32 out of 40 lawmakers voted to remove Obasa in absentia over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, was swiftly installed as Speaker, a move that triggered mixed reactions among GAC members, party loyalists, and the public.

Power Struggle Deepens Within GAC

Monday’s meeting, held at the Lagos House in Marina, was attended by 39 lawmakers—excluding Obasa—and led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, the chairman of the GAC, which serves as the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos.

This latest meeting followed an earlier session two weeks ago, where lawmakers overwhelmingly backed Meranda as Speaker. A key point of contention remains the issue of senatorial district balance in leadership, as both the Governor and the Speaker hail from Lagos Central. Some party stakeholders have pushed for a new Speaker from Lagos West, but lawmakers from the region declined the offer, reaffirming their support for Meranda.

Tinubu’s Influence and Sanwo-Olu’s Role in the Crisis

Obasa is reportedly backed by influential figures within Tinubu’s political circle. Sources indicate that Tinubu instructed the GAC to mediate the dispute, having previously met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders at the Presidential Lodge in Ikoyi during the Yuletide season.

Despite these efforts, Monday’s meeting, moderated by Sanwo-Olu, ended with Meranda retaining her position, sparking celebrations among lawmakers and Assembly staff.

“The attempt to replace Meranda as Speaker failed. The issue was largely about ensuring senatorial district balance in leadership, which was extensively debated,” a source told Vanguard.

However, tensions persist within the GAC, with some members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Muraino Taiwo, denouncing Obasa’s removal as illegal. Reports suggest that their position aligns with Tinubu’s, who allegedly described the impeachment as a “coup” and directed Meranda to step down to allow for Obasa’s reinstatement before a new Speaker is elected.

Factional Disputes and a Stalemate in Leadership Talks

The directive from Tinubu, however, faces resistance from a faction within the GAC, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, who reportedly insisted during Monday’s meeting that Tinubu had advised maintaining the current leadership structure.

In a strategic maneuver, Olusi allegedly asked Lagos West lawmakers to nominate three candidates for Speakership consideration. However, it later emerged that the GAC’s Justice Forum wing had already shortlisted:

• Temitope Adedeji (Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1)
• David Setonji (Badagry Constituency 2)
• Wale Rauf (Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2)

for presentation to Tinubu.

In a surprising twist, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro reportedly urged Wale Rauf to reject the nomination, a move that further solidified support for Meranda. Lawmakers were then pressured into signing an undertaking confirming their stance, which would later be presented to Tinubu.

“The contradictory statement from Baba Olusi riled Senator Ganiyu Solomon, another GAC member, who accused him of misrepresenting Tinubu’s directive,” a source disclosed.

As tensions flared, the meeting ended in a deadlock.

Sanwo-Olu’s Silent Resistance?

Reports also suggest that Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose relationship with Obasa is strained, may be resisting Tinubu’s directive behind the scenes.

“Tinubu’s instruction does not align with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s interests, but he is careful not to be seen as openly defying the President,” a source revealed.

Ahead of the meeting, Sanwo-Olu allegedly briefed some lawmakers on Tinubu’s directive while encouraging others to stand against Obasa’s reinstatement.

Next Steps: GAC Heads to Abuja for Final Decision

With no resolution reached in Lagos, the GAC has now taken the matter to Abuja for further deliberations and a final decision on the Speakership crisis.

Stay tuned for updates as the power tussle continues to unfold.