Tensions persist in Lagos Assembly despite Tinubu’s peace accord

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s peace intervention last Wednesday to resolve the lingering speakership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, tensions remain high among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Following Tinubu’s directive for aggrieved lawmakers to cooperate with re-elected Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, fresh discord has emerged, with lawmakers accusing Obasa of reneging on an alleged agreement to step down after his reinstatement.

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers over allegations of financial mismanagement, highhandedness, and dictatorship. He was replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda. The impeachment sparked turmoil within the APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and party faithful, prompting Tinubu to deploy a reconciliation panel led by Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

A compromise deal reportedly required Meranda to resign, allowing Obasa to return as Speaker, with the understanding that he would step down within 48 hours to pave the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West. However, after being re-elected, Obasa’s attempt to hold a reconciliation meeting failed, with aggrieved lawmakers accusing him of betraying the agreement.

The Assembly has since gone on indefinite recess, with several lawmakers refusing to recognize Obasa’s leadership. Meanwhile, the Lagos APC has denied claims that Obasa was required to resign, with state party spokesperson Seye Oladejo stating, “There was no time the arrangement for Obasa to resign was included in the terms of settlement.”

Fresh Controversy Over ₦5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

Amid the ongoing leadership crisis, a fresh scandal has erupted over the purchase of official vehicles for lawmakers.

Reports indicate that during Meranda’s 49-day tenure as Speaker, she approved the purchase of 39 vehicles for lawmakers at a cost of ₦5 billion. However, sources claim that Obasa had previously approved ₦7 billion for the same purpose in December 2024 before his removal.

Obasa has now taken legal action, dragging Meranda, 33 lawmakers, and the Lagos Assembly to court, challenging his impeachment and questioning financial transactions made during Meranda’s tenure.

According to sources, Obasa had planned to purchase the vehicles from Dubai, but Meranda opted for local suppliers, reportedly saving ₦2 billion by purchasing 32 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven Toyota Land Cruisers at ₦5 billion instead of the ₦7 billion initially budgeted.

A source loyal to Meranda emphasized that she did not withdraw any funds but only reviewed an existing approval, adding that she did not approve a vehicle for herself as Speaker.

With the leadership crisis unresolved and financial disputes escalating, the Lagos Assembly remains in turmoil.