Lagos Lawmakers Consider Writing Tinubu Over Obasa’s Removal

 Governance Advisory Council Pushes for Speaker’s Reinstatement

Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly are reportedly considering writing to President Bola Tinubu regarding the controversial removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker. The move follows pressure from the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

Sources indicate that the GAC is pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement, arguing that his removal on January 13, 2025, was unconstitutional and disrespectful to the party’s leadership. However, the lawmakers appear firm in their decision to retain Mojisola Meranda, who replaced Obasa after a unanimous vote.

GAC Insists on Party Loyalty and Due Process

During a marathon meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, on Monday, attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and key lawmakers, GAC members reiterated their disapproval of Obasa’s removal.

Chief Muraina Taiwo, a GAC member, confirmed in an interview that the lawmakers have been asked to write to Tinubu to express their grievances.

“I’m aware that the GAC told them the mind of the party, but the lawmakers have made up their mind and stand by it. They decided to document their grievances and send them to Abuja for the President’s intervention,” Taiwo stated.

Obasa May Be Allowed to Resign Voluntarily

Amid the political tension, a compromise plan is being discussed. Sources suggest that Obasa may return to the House, where he would then be allowed to resign voluntarily.

Taiwo explained that while the APC leadership wants him reinstated, lawmakers cannot force Obasa to step down if he chooses to remain in office.

“The directive from the party leadership is for Obasa to continue his work. If he chooses to resign, that is his decision—not something to be forced upon him,” he added.

Reports of Tinubu’s Disapproval and Lawmakers’ Apology

Earlier reports suggested that President Tinubu disapproved of Obasa’s removal and insisted on a reversal. In response, the GAC reportedly directed lawmakers to send two letters of apology to Tinubu.

The first letter was to acknowledge their failure to consult party leaders before removing Obasa and to pledge that his removal would be changed to a voluntary resignation.

The second letter, signed by 17 out of 20 lawmakers from Lagos West, supported Meranda as Speaker and insisted that she complete her term, despite concerns over political zoning arrangements.

GAC Maintains Silence on Official Position

While various sources confirm the developments, GAC Chairman Chief Tajudeen Olusi refused to publicly affirm the council’s stance. When contacted by The PUNCH, Olusi stated:

“At the appropriate time, we shall talk. As long as no official statement has been issued by our secretariat, any such information should not be considered official.”

Next Steps: Political Uncertainty Looms

With the Lagos State House of Assembly yet to release an official statement and its spokesperson, Hon. Ogundipe Olukayode, unresponsive to inquiries, the situation remains uncertain.

If lawmakers proceed with writing to Tinubu, the President’s response could determine the final outcome of the leadership crisis in the House. For now, all eyes remain on Abuja as the APC leadership seeks to resolve the conflict and maintain unity within the party.