Tinubu Directs Lagos Lawmakers To Reinstate Obasa As Speaker

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly intensified efforts to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, just three weeks after his impeachment.

According to insiders, the president urged lawmakers over the weekend to reconsider their decision, citing potential political repercussions. Out of the 40-member Lagos Assembly, only two belong to opposition parties.

A senior Lagos politician who attended the meetings revealed that Tinubu instructed preparations for Obasa’s return, stating that Obasa would spend only a short time before resigning on his terms.

Another source added that many lawmakers have agreed to allow his reinstatement to avoid severe political consequences, although some remain uneasy, particularly those involved in his impeachment.

A legislator expressed concerns that bringing Obasa back would be dangerous, likening it to “pacifying a snake after its head was severed.” Lawmakers opposed to Tinubu’s directive are expected to be persuaded at a crucial meeting scheduled for Monday in Abuja.

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, following allegations of misappropriating billions in procurement allocations for vehicles and other items that were never received. His removal led to the appointment of Lasbat Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, with the backing of 32 out of 40 lawmakers.

Despite the impeachment, Obasa has refused to vacate the official Speaker’s residence in Ikeja G.R.A. He reportedly returned to Nigeria after the impeachment and went directly to the lodge rather than his private residence, initially claiming he needed to collect personal belongings but has since remained there.

It is unclear what influence First Lady Remi Tinubu may have had on the decision, although reports indicate that she intervened to prevent the EFCC from arresting Obasa while not opposing a corruption probe. Tinubu’s support for Obasa is expected to deepen political divisions within Lagos, but lawmakers are reportedly reluctant to oppose the president due to his strong influence in Lagos politics.

Sources revealed that Obasa met Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Marina on Saturday to finalize his return as Speaker, which may occur as early as next week.

Although a presidential spokesman denied knowledge of any directive from Tinubu regarding the reinstatement, both Obasa and Speaker Meranda declined to comment.