President Bola Tinubu has directed key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to step in and resolve the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The dispute, which began on January 13, 2025, led to the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the appointment of Mojisola Meranda in his place.
In response to the ongoing tensions, Tinubu called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former governors Bisi Akande, Olusegun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, along with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council and top APC officials, to intervene.
The leaders gathered at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, for a marathon meeting on Sunday.
Sources revealed that the meeting aimed to find common ground between lawmakers who are supporting Obasa’s return and those opposing it.
Some lawmakers believe that if Obasa is reinstated, he may refuse to step down later, leading to more unrest.
With the crisis dragging on, Tinubu reportedly became frustrated and tasked party elders with brokering peace.
After the meeting, another round of discussions is expected to take place with the lawmakers.
There are indications that Mojisola Meranda may step down and return to her former position as Deputy Speaker.
One of the two lawmakers from Lagos West—David Setonji (Badagry 2) or Wale Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—could become the next Speaker.
David Setonji is currently the Chief Whip of the House and has served as a lawmaker since 2015.
Wale Rauf has been in the House since 2019.
This move is said to be part of efforts to ensure fair representation for Lagos West in the Assembly’s leadership structure.
Pressure has been mounting on Meranda to resign, with reports saying that she was expected to announce her resignation last week but was stopped by some lawmakers.
There have also been claims that directives from Abuja are pushing for her removal.
However, her aide, Segun Ajiboye, has denied any plans for her resignation.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has sacked the acting Clerk of the House, Otun Babatunde, who was appointed by Meranda.
The court ordered the reinstatement of the former clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko.
As discussions continue, party leaders are working towards a solution that will prevent further divisions within the Lagos Assembly and maintain stability in the state’s political structure.
