Cracks Appear in Tinubu’s Political Dynasty as President Faces Conflict with Lagos Lawmakers, GAC Over Obasa Removal
By Ismaeel Uthman
President Bola Tinubu’s longstanding political influence in Lagos appears to be facing significant turbulence, following the controversial removal of Mudasiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This event has sparked tension within Tinubu’s political structure, leading to a deeper divide.
Sources suggest that the removal of Obasa and the subsequent support of many members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) for the decision—without first consulting the President—marks a surprising political shift within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Tinubu traditionally holds authority both at the state and national levels.
While it was initially believed that Tinubu had sanctioned Obasa’s removal, insiders close to the President and those familiar with the political dynamics of Lagos APC have revealed that the President was unaware of the move. This unexpected development left Tinubu feeling embarrassed and confused as to why several influential GAC members supported the decision without his input.
Obasa was ousted as Speaker on January 13, following accusations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement, with 36 lawmakers voting for his removal. In his place, Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the new Speaker, while Mojeed Fatai was appointed Deputy Speaker.
Despite his removal, Obasa, who had held the Speaker position since 2015 and represents Agege Constituency I, returned from the United States to assert that he was still the Speaker. His ouster has created a deep rift within the GAC and the APC in Lagos.
In a bid to reassert his control, President Tinubu reportedly directed GAC members to engage the lawmakers and request Obasa’s reinstatement, with the possibility of him stepping down voluntarily. A marathon meeting was held by GAC members at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, where they conveyed the President’s wishes to the lawmakers.
However, despite apologizing to Tinubu and affirming their loyalty to him, the lawmakers remained resolute in their decision, voting against Obasa’s reinstatement. Of the 39 lawmakers present at the meeting, 37 voted to keep the decision intact. The lawmakers subsequently agreed to draft a letter to the President, explaining why Obasa could not be brought back.
Meanwhile, a viral video on social media showed APC members celebrating Meranda’s appointment as Speaker, singing praises of her leadership.
On Wednesday, six GAC members were dispatched to Abuja to deliver the lawmakers’ letter to Tinubu. However, they were unable to meet with the President for reasons that remain unclear.
Lagos-based political analyst, Oki, advised against allowing the dispute to continue, warning that such prolonged conflict could destabilize the APC’s position. He emphasized the importance of respecting the autonomy of the House of Assembly and recognizing the broad support Meranda had garnered. He stressed that dismissing public sentiment could have serious political consequences for the party and the state.
Oki further urged the party leadership to focus on unity and prioritizing the needs of Lagosians over internal conflicts. “We must not let our disagreements overshadow the bigger objective of serving the people of Lagos and Nigeria,” he concluded.
