The Oniru Palace in Lagos, home to Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has become a political hotspot as lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly navigate an ongoing leadership crisis.
Following the dramatic removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13 and the election of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as his replacement, legislators have reportedly made the palace their new power hub.
Oba Lawal, a former police superintendent and ex-aide-de-camp to President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos governor, has long been influential in state politics. He also served as a commissioner under Governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode.
Legislators Seek Favor Amid Uncertainty
The leadership change triggered a major shake-up, including the indefinite adjournment of House proceedings and the dissolution of committees. With political maneuvering at its peak, sources claim that lawmakers are now frequenting Oniru Palace, seeking Oba Lawal’s favor in a bid to secure strategic committee appointments under Speaker Meranda’s leadership.
“Lagos lawmakers across the state now literally sleep at Oniru’s palace, seeking the monarch’s influence to be awarded juicy committees in the House,” an insider disclosed.
Oba Lawal’s Growing Influence in Lagos Politics
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Oba Lawal once aspired to govern Lagos and lobbied Oba Rilwan Akiolu to sway Tinubu’s support in his favor before Ambode secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.
“With the current situation, everything seems to be aligning for him,” a source alleged. “He has always desired a significant role in Lagos politics, and now people close to him are even calling him the new ‘Jagaban’ of the state.”
As political tensions persist, the unfolding events at the Oniru Palace signal a potential shift in the power dynamics of Lagos State governance.