••President’s Intervention Follows Weeks of Political Standoff
By John Audu.
LAGOS – President Bola Tinubu has directed the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, just weeks after his impeachment on allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, sources told Peoples Gazette. Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, and replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.
Despite Obasa’s claims that his impeachment was unlawful, Tinubu has reportedly instructed lawmakers to prepare for his return. Sources indicate the President’s rationale is that the political fallout from Obasa’s removal outweighs the need to address the misconduct allegations. The plan, according to sources, is for Obasa to return as Speaker for a brief period before resigning on his own terms.
“The president has sent instruction that we should start preparing to let him come back,” a senior Lagos politician told Peoples Gazette. “The president said Obasa will spend only a short time before resigning on his terms.”
The majority of Assembly members are APC members, ensuring the directive will be followed. However, some lawmakers expressed concern about potential retaliation from Obasa. “We’re afraid that bringing him back will be like trying to pacify a snake after its head was severed,” a source said. “Its venom will be super deadly.”
Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the lawmakers in Abuja on Monday to solidify the plan. “Many of us have agreed that he should be allowed to return because we can only see the beginning of this fight but not how it may end,” the politician added.
Peoples Gazette also reported that First Lady Remi Tinubu may have prevented the EFCC from arresting Obasa over alleged fraud, though an investigation into his use of public funds may continue. Her influence on the President’s decision remains unclear.
Obasa’s successor, Meranda, has reportedly been unable to occupy the Speaker’s official residence as Obasa has refused to vacate, claiming he needs to remove his belongings. SaharaReporters previously reported that Obasa, during a meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders, requested Tinubu’s intervention to gain access to the residence. Tinubu reportedly granted this request.
SaharaReporters also reported that Obasa argued his impeachment was invalid because he had hidden the two official maces of the Assembly. However, he was informed that the mace used during the impeachment session was brought from the old Assembly building.
Upon his return from the US, Obasa claimed his impeachment involved a “fake mace” and that police had invaded the Assembly. He also alleged that his home was placed under house arrest. While admitting to having been involved in the removal of others in the Assembly, he claimed those actions were lawful.
Peoples Gazette reports that Obasa met with Governor Sanwo-Olu on Saturday to finalize his return as Speaker, potentially as early as next week. Obasa could not be reached for comment.
