President Bola Tinubu has instructed key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene in the ongoing leadership crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The dispute, which began on January 13, 2025, resulted in the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the appointment of Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. In an effort to address the growing tensions, Tinubu urged 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 mediate and restore stability.
A high-level meeting was convened at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, on Sunday, where party elders deliberated on ways to reconcile lawmakers who support Obasa’s return with those opposing it. Concerns have been raised that if Obasa is reinstated, he may resist stepping down in the future, potentially leading to further unrest.
Frustrated by the prolonged crisis, Tinubu has tasked the party’s leadership with brokering peace. Following Sunday’s deliberations, another round of discussions is expected to take place with members of the House.
There are indications that Mojisola Meranda may step down and revert to her previous role as Deputy Speaker. Meanwhile, two lawmakers from Lagos West—David Setonji (Badagry 2) and Wale Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—are being considered for the speakership.
Setonji, currently the Chief Whip of the House, has served as a lawmaker since 2015, while Rauf has been in the Assembly since 2019. The potential leadership change is aimed at ensuring fair representation for Lagos West in the House’s leadership structure.
Meranda has been under pressure to resign, with reports suggesting she was set to step down last week but was persuaded to delay the decision. There are also claims that directives from Abuja are pushing for her removal, although her aide, Segun Ajiboye, has denied any plans for her resignation.
In a related development, the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has ruled against the appointment of Otun Babatunde as acting Clerk of the House by Meranda. The court has ordered the reinstatement of the former clerk, Olalekan Onafeko.
As discussions continue, APC leaders are working towards a resolution that will prevent further division within the Lagos Assembly and uphold political stability in the state.
