President Tinubu intervenes in the Lagos Assembly crisis, questioning Governor Sanwo-Olu’s influence and facilitating Obasa’s reinstatement
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Bola Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly, expressing concerns over Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s level of influence in the impeachment process of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
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According to sources at a closed-door meeting with state lawmakers on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged that Obasa’s impeachment had been influenced by the Lagos executive and found it troubling that the governor played such a significant role in deciding the Speaker’s fate.
As a result, the President facilitated Obasa’s controversial reinstatement.
**Behind Closed Doors: Tinubu’s Meeting with Lawmakers**
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was attended by Speaker Obasa, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, and other lawmakers.
The lawmakers arrived before 3:00 PM, while Obasa, whose return had sparked division within the Assembly, arrived separately around the same time.
A source revealed that Tinubu was visibly displeased with Obasa’s tardiness, spending the first ten minutes reprimanding him.
After listening to both sides, the President urged lawmakers to allow Obasa to remain Speaker and instructed him to withdraw his court cases challenging his removal.
“The President pleaded that we should allow the Speaker to return and also directed him to withdraw his legal applications from the court,” a source disclosed.
**Crisis Deepens: Security Concerns and Legal Battles**
As the crisis lingers, Obasa’s leadership requested increased security at the Lagos Assembly complex.
A leaked letter signed by Clerk O. B. Onafeko sought the deployment of armed officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to secure lawmakers and staff.
The move followed conflicting judicial rulings that further complicated the Assembly’s leadership dispute.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court clarified that it had not reinstated Onafeko as Clerk, contradicting claims from Obasa’s camp.
The court merely directed all parties to maintain peace until further hearings. The case is set for a crucial session on March 18.
**The SUV Scandal: A Key Factor in the Power Struggle**
Beyond the impeachment, tensions escalated over a multi-billion naira procurement scandal involving official vehicles. Obasa had initially approved the purchase of 35 Toyota Fortuner and 10 Toyota Prado SUVs from Dubai at an estimated N7 billion.
However, during her brief tenure as Speaker, Meranda sourced 32 Toyota Prado SUVs and seven Toyota Land Cruiser models locally for N5 billion, saving N2 billion.
Sources claim that Obasa, angered by the decision, demanded that all SUVs acquired under Meranda’s leadership be returned.
Further reports suggest he intended to distribute 45 luxury vehicles, including four for himself and his two wives.
**Legal Controversy: Obasa’s Attempt to Change Assembly Lawyers**
In another controversial move, Obasa unilaterally replaced the legal team representing the Assembly in court without consulting the 35 lawmakers who had voted for his impeachment.
The decision sparked outrage, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana condemning the move as illegal.
“A plaintiff cannot impose a lawyer on the defendants,” Falana stated, reinforcing that the majority lawmakers had the right to choose their legal representation.
The case is set for another hearing on March 17.
**What Lies Ahead for Lagos Politics?**
The political turmoil within the Lagos Assembly continues to deepen, with internal divisions, legal battles, and allegations of corruption overshadowing governance.
While Tinubu’s intervention has temporarily restored Obasa’s leadership, discontent remains high among lawmakers who view the reinstatement as a power play rather than a democratic resolution.
Also read: Obasa’s reinstatement suit adjourned amid fraud allegations
With upcoming court hearings and ongoing tensions, the battle for control in Lagos politics is far from over.
