By Abiola Olawale
In a surprising turn of events, Mudashiru Obasa has been reinstated as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The reinstatement came during a plenary session on Monday, following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who held the position after Obasa’s controversial impeachment in January.
Obasa, a veteran lawmaker representing Agege Constituency 1, had been ousted by a majority of assembly members earlier this year amid allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.
His removal paved the way for Meranda to become the first female speaker in the state’s history.
Meranda’s tenure lasted just 49 days, marked by reported disputes and pressure from party stakeholders, culminating in her decision to step down.
Announcing her resignation, Meranda cited the need to “preserve the unity and integrity of the House.”
She was subsequently reinstated as Deputy Speaker, a position she held before her brief stint as Speaker.
Obasa, in his remarks after being sworn in, struck a conciliatory tone, thanking his colleagues for their support and emphasizing the Assembly’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.
He remarked: “Today is not the day for long speeches but for gratitude. We have shown that this House is mature and capable of addressing its challenges. I am committed to serving Lagosians and ensuring we protect their interests.
“Our major responsibility is to represent them, and that’s what we have been doing.
“What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a house that has an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party.”
