The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has taken a new turn as leaders of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) visited President Bola Tinubu to brief him on the deadlock in resolving the impasse.

The GAC, the apex decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State, convened an emergency meeting with lawmakers on Monday to address the lingering crisis. The meeting, held at the Lagos House, Marina, was attended by 39 out of 40 members of the Assembly, excluding Obasa.

Recall that on January 13, 2025, 32 lawmakers removed Obasa in absentia over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, was subsequently elected as the new Speaker. However, the decision polarized the GAC, party faithful, and the public, with some members opposing the move.

The Monday meeting, moderated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saw overwhelming support for Meranda’s leadership despite efforts to cede the speakership to Lagos West lawmakers. The lawmakers from Lagos West, numbering about 20, rejected the proposal and pledged their support for Meranda, allowing her to continue as Speaker.

President Bola Tinubu, who is believed to have backed Obasa, reportedly described his removal as a “coup” and directed GAC to resolve the matter amicably. Tinubu had earlier met with stakeholders, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the Yuletide break to discuss the crisis.

However, the GAC’s efforts to implement Tinubu’s directive faced resistance. At the Monday meeting, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi announced that the President had directed the council to maintain the current arrangement in the Assembly. He also requested that lawmakers from Lagos West nominate three candidates for the speakership, but this was rejected by the lawmakers.

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro reportedly briefed Honourable Wale Rauf to reject the proposal on behalf of Lagos West lawmakers. Rauf affirmed their resolve to support Meranda, leading to a tense and inconclusive meeting.

Sources revealed that Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose relationship with Obasa is strained, is subtly opposing Tinubu’s directive to reinstate Obasa temporarily. Sanwo-Olu is said to have met with progressive members and lawmakers to encourage their opposition to Obasa’s return.

Meanwhile, influential GAC members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Muraino Taiwo, criticized Obasa’s removal as “illegal” and reportedly gained Tinubu’s support. However, conservative members of the GAC, led by Prince Olusi, appear to be at odds with the President’s stance.

Following the deadlock, the GAC has taken the matter to Abuja for further action. The council’s decision to involve the President highlights the complexity of the crisis and the high stakes involved.

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