LAGOS, Nigeria – The leadership crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly escalated on Thursday as 36 lawmakers rejected Mudashiru Obasa’s claim to the speakership, insisting that Mojisola Meranda remains the legitimate leader of the assembly.

Speaking at the assembly complex, the lawmakers dismissed Obasa’s assertion that he retains the position, reaffirming their support for Meranda.

Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, emphasized the lawmakers’ determination to uphold Obasa’s removal, calling on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to step in and resolve the impasse.

“We were approached by our leaders to remain calm, but what we are witnessing today is unacceptable. We have followed due process, and our decision stands,” Ogundipe stated.

He urged party leaders to address the concerns of the lawmakers, stressing that they would not tolerate any attempts to undermine their authority.

Meanwhile, tension escalated as Obasa arrived at the assembly complex around noon, accompanied by security personnel and two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II). Reports indicate that security aides assigned to Meranda were withdrawn ahead of Obasa’s arrival.

The crisis stems from allegations leveled against Obasa by a majority of lawmakers, who accused him of poor leadership, frequent absenteeism, abuse of office, and intimidation of fellow lawmakers. His removal led to the election of Meranda as the new speaker, a decision now being contested.

In an effort to mediate, APC stalwarts, including former governors Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), intervened on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Following a series of meetings, party insiders suggested that both Obasa and Meranda might step aside for a neutral candidate from Lagos West to assume the speakership.

As tensions persist, all eyes remain on APC leadership and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to broker a lasting resolution to the deepening crisis in the Lagos Assembly.