Obasa returns as Speaker Lagos State Assembly

The reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the 10th House of Assembly on Monday brought an end to the 49-day leadership crisis that had disrupted the Lagos State legislature. Obasa, who had been removed by 36 lawmakers from the 40-member House on January 13, regained the Speaker’s position following the resignation of former Speaker Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda during a plenary session.
Before the session, Obasa, who arrived at the Assembly complex around 1:45 pm, met with 35 of his colleagues, including Mrs. Meranda, in the Chamber. Sources revealed that a key meeting involving stakeholders, including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), APC leaders, and lawmakers, was held on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina.
Obasa’s meetings with his colleagues, along with a separate discussion with Mrs. Meranda, paved the way for the plenary session. During this session, presided over by Mrs. Meranda, she read her resignation letter, which moved many of the lawmakers to tears. The Acting Clerk of the House, Babatunde Abubakar, then took over to oversee the election, where Mrs. Meranda was chosen as Deputy Speaker and Obasa was reinstated as Speaker. Both were subsequently sworn into office, with Mrs. Meranda being elected first.
Amuwo/Odofin Counstituency II representative Rauf Olawale moved the motion for Mrs. Meranda’s nomination as deputy speaker after she stepped down.
Abiodun Orekola from Somolu seconded the nomination, which was affirmed unanimously.
The former Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, moved a motion to nominate Obasa with Nureni Akinsanya seconding it. There was no other nomination.
Obasa promised to listen to his colleagues. He thanked party leaders, including former governors Chief Bisi Akande (Osun) state and Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Ogun).
Obasa also acknowledged Assembly workers and the media for projecting the House well.
He described the transition as a sign of political maturity within the Assembly, adding that the legislature had its own mechanisms for resolving internal issues.
Obasa said: “Today is not the day for speech making but to appreciate our colleagues who have put a lot into this gathering today.
“I thank the party leaders present here today and special thanks to Bisi Akande, former Osun governor, Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun.
“We have resolved and determined to serve and protect the interest of Lagosians. What is happening today shows that the House is mature and has internal mechanism to resolve issues.”
In an emotion-laden valedictory speech, Mrs. Meranda expressed appreciation to her colleagues for their support, dedication and commitment during her stint as the first female Speaker for 49 days.
According to her, she had to quit to protect the institution and because the “party’s decision is supreme”.
She said: “I resigned as speaker after careful consideration. I am a good student of political history and i must protect this institution. I have made history as the first female speaker of this assembly. I am grateful for your support.”
Mrs. Meranda ended her speech with a song of gratitude. She was applauded by members and some party members who witnessed the change of baton.
Others who resigned their positions are: Fatai Mojeed, resigned as Deputy Speaker and returned as Chief Whip; Sanni Okanlawon (Ifako -Ijaye) resigned as Deputy Chief Whip; David Setonji resigned as Chief Whip and returned as Deputy Chief Whip; Richard Kasunmu retained his position as Deputy Majority Leader while Adewale Temitope remained the Majority Leader.
Moving a motion under personal explanation to shower encomium on Mrs. Meranda, Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) said: “Under your leadership this House had witnessed a renewed welfare of the lawmakers. I thank you for keeping to time during plenary session.”
Ladi Ajomale (Oshodi/Isolo II), who said the lawmakers were proud of her, noted that Mrs. Meranda’s short stay as speaker would remain indelible in the history of the House.
Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) said: “You have shown that this is the time to focus on the women gender. You have led us with openness, humility, and transparency. We are proud of your leadership. You have shown empathy to us and you carried us along in everything you did.”
Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho I) said: “Today makes 49 days you were elected Speaker of this House. Your leadership prowess was displayed during the short stay in office.
“Despite huge intimidation, you stood your ground and carried us along in your leadership. I am congratulating and celebrating you.”
Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo I) said: “You are a visionary leader. We know your unwavering commitment to our party. Your leadership success to this House will always be remembered. You showed us love. I want to thank all lawmakers that God will continue to protect us and our family.”
Hon. Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju Lekki II) said: “You always consult before you take decision. Within the 49 days, you have been able to settle all debts and we appreciate your leadership.”
Abiodun Tobun (Epe I) said: “Lagosians and residents were behind you; members of staff were behind; so, you are a heroine of democracy. You are a winner. One with God, fears nobody. You are going places in Nigeria’s politics. You stood your ground and you are retreating when it is necessary.”
Temitope Adewale said: “In 49 days, you have restored confidence in me as a lawmaker. You have given me peace I never witnessed in one and half years. You restored the spirit of comradeship and friendship in us. I am happy to celebrate you as the first female Speaker in Lagos Assembly.
“Yesterday, we saw the strength in unity, friendship and we never betrayed ourselves. My dear colleagues, this is not the end. This is Tinubu’s House, don’t let us lose hope. We have shown the world the character we are. If Tinubu is in this House as lawmaker, he will do the same thing we did.”
Eti-Osa II lawmaker Yishawu said: “It is part of your record as first female Speaker. You have the quality of leadership awareness. Only powerful leader can foresee what may be coming against him. We are very proud of you.
“You did very well. We are politicians, the public may not know how we are wired. The party is supreme. We do not run against the course of our party. God Almighty will protect you and all that are in this chamber.”
At the Chamber yesterday were: Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State Lawal Pedro (SAN); APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi; Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo and other party executive members.
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the resolution of the speakership crisis in the Assembly as a victory for democracy.
A statement by party spokesman Oluseye Oladejo hailed lawmakers and party faithful for resolving the feud amicably, a development he noted, left a sour grape in the mouth of the opposition.
The statement reads: “The crux of the disagreement which has been mainly to draw the attention of the general public and the party to intractable internal issues stretched the well tested and trusted internal conflict resolution mechanism of the party.
“As a truly democratic party, we refrained from needless interference in the affair of the legislature whose independence we hold in high esteem.
“However, the house deferred to the party when the conflict festered and defied all suggestions for settlement.
“We want to put it on record that the members of the house officially briefed the party about the ontoward development and requested for wise counsel from the party just a few days ago.
“It is noteworthy that 39 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are APC members who won elections on our platform and are irrevocably committed to deliver on their mandate.”
“The party met with all the members and proffered practical solutions which were sacrificial , stabilizing and in the best interest of the state.
“You may wish to note that our role remained basically advisory and could only be binding if upheld in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly.
“We commend all the members for jettisoning personal interests in favor of our collective over all goals and aspirations.
“There’s no doubt that lessons have been learnt from the past incident and the house has been reunited and strengthened by renewed commitment and vigor to serve the state better.
“Overall, it is victory for democracy and underscored the sophistication of Lagos politics which is heads and shoulders above common standards.
“By this token, it’s clear that the opposition rejoiced too early over a storm in a tea cup and will hopefully put their propaganda machinery in check.”