Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly are facing intense pressure to reverse the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, as political maneuvering intensifies behind the scenes. Concerns have been raised that his removal could have far-reaching political consequences, despite allegations of corruption and abuse of office against him.
According to Peoples Gazette, President Bola Tinubu is actively lobbying Assembly members to facilitate Obasa’s return, insiders reveal. A senior Lagos politician, who participated in high-level discussions over the weekend, disclosed that the president had instructed lawmakers to prepare for Obasa’s reinstatement. “The president has sent instructions that we should start making arrangements for his return,” the source said. “He assured us that Obasa would only serve for a short period before stepping down on his own terms.”
Obasa’s impeachment on January 13 followed a report, which alleged that he embezzled billions of naira meant for vehicle procurement and other legislative expenses. Following his removal, lawmakers elected Lasbat Mojisola Meranda as Speaker. However, sources indicate that Obasa has continued to wield influence within the Assembly, while Meranda has struggled to fully assert control, despite support from at least 32 out of the 40 lawmakers.
Some legislators who played key roles in the impeachment now fear potential retaliation if Obasa returns. “Bringing him back is like trying to pacify a snake after severing its head—its venom will be even deadlier,” one lawmaker remarked.
To solidify the push for reinstatement, a crucial meeting in Abuja has reportedly been scheduled for Monday, where the president will work to persuade any remaining dissenters. “Many of us have agreed that he should be allowed to return because we only know how this fight started, but we don’t know how it might end,” another senior political operative stated.
Despite his removal, Obasa has refused to vacate the Speaker’s official residence in Ikeja G.R.A. Upon returning from the United States, he went straight to the lodge, initially claiming he needed to retrieve his personal belongings. However, he has remained there, while Speaker Meranda has yet to move in, reportedly due to intimidation.
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The role of First Lady Remi Tinubu in these developments remains unclear, though a recent Peoples Gazette report suggested she intervened to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Obasa while allowing investigations into his financial dealings to continue.
Tinubu’s directive to reinstate Obasa is expected to deepen tensions within Lagos political circles. Although some lawmakers are strongly opposed to the move, they are wary of openly resisting the president’s influence. “Some lawmakers are very angry about the president’s decision, but no one wants to be seen as defying his authority,” a source noted.
Meanwhile, Obasa reportedly met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos State Government House in Marina on Saturday to finalize plans for his reinstatement, which could take effect as early as next week. A government aide confirmed the meeting but declined to provide further details.
