The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly appears far from over as the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has yet to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reinstate Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
During a previous meeting, President Tinubu instructed GAC members to ensure Obasa’s return to office, citing the need for political cohesion and geo-zonal balance in the state. However, the council failed to act on this directive, opting instead to hold discussions with Lagos Assembly lawmakers, many of whom support Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
GAC’s Defiance and Tinubu’s Response
At a recent State House meeting in Marina, Lagos, 17 out of 20 Assembly members from Lagos West opposed Obasa’s return and reaffirmed their support for Meranda. The GAC leadership, in an attempt to resolve the impasse, proposed offering Obasa a senatorial ticket in 2027 as compensation for relinquishing the speakership.
However, upon learning of this alternative plan, Tinubu abruptly canceled a scheduled meeting with the GAC on Tuesday. He reportedly dismissed their attempt to present a report and insisted that they “go back and carry out his order” to reinstate Obasa.
According to sources, Tinubu made it clear that he had “no business” with the GAC members until they fulfilled his directive. They were immediately sent back to Lagos to implement his decision.
Political Implications for the APC
Observers argue that the defiance of the Lagos lawmakers and the GAC’s reluctance to enforce Tinubu’s decision could create a political rift within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Some believe that Tinubu remains the unifying force of the party in the state, and any resistance to his authority could weaken the party’s structure.
Political analysts also caution that personal and factional interests should not overshadow the larger interest of the APC. They emphasize that no political figure in Lagos has maintained the party’s unity as Tinubu has over the years, and any move to undermine his leadership could have long-term consequences for the party’s stability.
As the power struggle continues, the loyalty of GAC members to Tinubu’s leadership remains under scrutiny, with many questioning whether they will align with the state governor or remain faithful to the president’s directive.
