By Zara Maisango
In a dramatic turn of events, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have tendered an apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following their move to impeach former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The development, which unfolded on Monday, was the result of a directive from the highest decision-making body of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC), the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
The emergency meeting, held at the Lagos House in Marina, was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and key members of the GAC. Sources within the meeting revealed that President Tinubu was displeased with the lawmakers' decision to remove Obasa and insisted on reversing the move to maintain stability within the state legislature.
Tensions ran high as members of the GAC expressed discontent over the impeachment, with some alleging that the decision was made without consulting the party’s leadership. This division led to heated exchanges, but ultimately, the lawmakers were directed to submit two separate apology letters to the President.
According to an insider, "The lawmakers were reluctant, but they had no choice. The President was firm on his stance that Obasa should be reinstated. The first letter was a general apology, acknowledging their failure to consult party elders before impeaching the Speaker. They also assured the President that they would downgrade the impeachment to a resignation."
The second letter, reportedly written by lawmakers from Lagos West, signaled their acceptance of Hon. Mojisola Meranda as Speaker. In what appears to be a strategic compromise, the lawmakers communicated their willingness to allow her to complete her tenure, disregarding the existing zoning formula. Out of the 20 lawmakers from Lagos West, 17 endorsed the letter, signaling a split within the legislative body.
Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, after being accused of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. His impeachment, however, triggered a crisis within the Lagos APC, with party leaders sharply divided over the decision.
While some GAC members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, condemned the impeachment as an illegal act that undermined party leadership, others like Senator Musiliu Obanikoro dismissed their concerns as inconsequential, urging restraint in making public statements on the matter.
The President’s intervention, according to political analysts, was not just about Obasa but about maintaining stability in Lagos, a state often regarded as the stronghold of the APC. By insisting on a reversal, President Tinubu may have sought to prevent a deeper crisis that could affect the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For now, the lawmakers have complied with the directive, but whether Obasa will reclaim his position remains uncertain. The unfolding drama highlights the complex interplay of power within Lagos APC and raises questions about the autonomy of the state legislature in the face of party supremacy.
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