Lagos State is on edge as the embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, returned to the state on Saturday, 25 January, 2025, after being ousted from office earlier this month. His return has sparked widespread concern, with many residents calling for immediate police intervention.
Some Lagosians are of the belief that the former Speaker should be arrested for invasion of the official residence of the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Honourable Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
On Saturday, 25 January, Obasa returned to Lagos, met and addressed supporters even though the place seized to be his official residence since the day he was removed from office.
Obasa, who had been in Abuja since Saturday, 18 January, 2025, attempting to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appeal his impeachment, failed in his bid to reverse the decision. Despite his attempts to gain the president’s attention, the impeachment process, which had the backing of 32 lawmakers, was finalized on Monday, 13 January, 2025.
Now, Obasa has returned to Lagos and his supporters, especially from his constituency in Agege, have been mobilized to gather at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, despite the fact that it no longer serves as his residence since his removal. The Speaker’s lodge, which is the home of the third-ranking official in the state, has become the center of an unfolding political drama.
A statement by Segun Balogun JP, Chairman of Ward F in Agege, instructed party members and stakeholders to meet at the Ikeja GRA residence of Obasa for a “heroic welcome.” The statement, which calls for attendees to wear clothing and caps displaying Obasa’s image, along with the names of President Tinubu and the ruling APC, has raised eyebrows among political observers.
What’s particularly curious about the meeting is the venue—Obasa’s former residence, which he lost access to after his removal. His decision to return to the location, despite his ouster, has ignited fears of potential unrest and a challenge to the new leadership in the Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
Reports suggest that the new leadership of the Assembly and the majority of lawmakers who supported Obasa’s removal are preparing to counter his return. Politicians who were dissatisfied with his tenure, which was often described as “authoritarian,” are reportedly mobilizing to prevent any attempt by Obasa to reclaim power.
In a related development, a 46-second video has surfaced showing a group of Obasa’s supporters dancing and singing praise to him at the Ikeja GRA residence. Some of them were seen wearing shirts and caps emblazoned with his image, while others donned full native attire, also featuring his name and pictures. The video has further fueled fears of escalating tensions in the state.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who wished to remain anonymous, has expressed concerns over the “show of shame” that Obasa’s supporters are staging. The lawmaker stressed that all legal means would be employed to ensure that Obasa does not regain any form of power. “Is he the first Speaker to be impeached?” the lawmaker remarked, referencing the fact that several other Speakers in the past have faced similar fates.
The police have thus been urged to intervene quickly to avoid any potential chaos, and the new Assembly leadership is expected to take a firm stand against any unlawful actions. However, efforts to reach Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda for comment on the developments have been unsuccessful, with her phone remaining engaged throughout the day.
As Lagosians brace for the return of the controversial former Speaker, the political landscape remains uncertain, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring the situation.
