Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was anticipated to return to office and then resign as part of a deal to resolve the House’s leadership issue.
According to a source who spoke with SaharaReporters, Obasa initially agreed to leave within a few days but later reneged on the contract, contradicting the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
Many Assembly members were duped into believing that Obasa would quit after Meranda, unaware that it was really a political ploy.
“As soon as he was re-elected as part of damage control, he adjourned indefinitely, obviously awaiting judgment in the case instituted to legitimise the illegalities,” a source told me.
Obasa Allegedly Pressuring Judiciary
The source further said that the besieged Speaker’s true intention was to sway the presiding judge in the lawsuit for his dismissal.
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja adjourned proceedings in the House’s leadership dispute on March 7 until Monday, March 10, 2025.
The insider stated, “That explains why, contrary to the promise to abandon the case, it proceeded. They’ve already prepared the ruling, which invalidates the proceedings that led to his removal. All equipment has been put in place to railroad the judge.
According to the source, once the court rules in Obasa’s favor, he will ensure that no appeal is filed on behalf of the Assembly, and with Meranda out of the picture, it will legally appear as if Obasa was never removed.
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According to the source, “After issuing the manifestly incorrect legal ruling, Obasa would direct no appeal on behalf of the Assembly while Meranda is already out of the picture. The implication is that he was never removed, and Meranda was never Speaker.”
Furthermore, the fired Clerk of the Assembly would be reinstalled, despite protests from colleagues who voted for his expulsion.
According to the source, “The further consequence is that the expelled Clerk will return, notwithstanding his colleagues’ objections, and no lawful action would have removed him. Then the ‘Oga’ will have his way and celebrate. The judgment cannot change unless there is a last-minute change of attitude.”
Obasa was re-elected Speaker last Monday after Meranda resigned.
