The political crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly continues to take different twists and turns as 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda on Monday, February 17, 2025.
This development has been perceived as an attempt to block former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from reclaiming his position.
Obasa, who had served as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015, was impeached on January 13, 2025, while he was out of the country.
The impeachment, supported by 32 out of 40 lawmakers, was based on allegations of financial misappropriation, gross misconduct, and high-handedness.
Obasa’s deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately elected as his successor, becoming the first female Speaker in the history of the Lagos legislature.
This historic transition, however, has been overshadowed by controversy, as Obasa has vehemently challenged the legality of his removal and sought to oust Meranda.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Obasa declared his intention to resume as Speaker, describing his impeachment as unconstitutional and accusing the state’s police commissioner of aiding the process.
His refusal to vacate the Speaker’s official residence and his claims of retaining the position have fueled tensions within the Assembly.
Following the development, on, Monday, February 17, 2025, 36 lawmakers convened at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, and passed a vote of confidence on Meranda, reaffirming their support for her leadership.
This action was taken during a plenary session presided over by Meranda, despite heightened security.
The Assembly then adjourned sine die (indefinitely) following the vote.
Following his impeachment, Obasa had since filed a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, challenging the legality of his removal.
In the suit, Obasa argued that the Assembly was in recess at the time of his impeachment, rendering the process unconstitutional. He sought an expedited hearing and requested that the court shorten the time for Meranda and the Assembly to respond to his claims.
