Mudashiru Obasa, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, claimed that his successor, Mojisola Meranda, agreed to step down and officially resign during a “peace meeting” with party leaders in Lagos.
Obasa speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, claimed that he was not banking on President Bola Tinubu’s support, as the president had more pressing matters to handle than the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis.
“The president has more than enough on his table to take care of than to be centred with the issue of Lagos State House of Assembly, and I will always respect him as my father and as my leader,” he said.
He also asserted his independence, stating, “Whether he supports me or not, I will continue to do what’s right without his approval.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding his position, Obasa insisted he had never been removed. “I have always said this that I have never been removed from office. I am not against any removal,” he stated, hours after making a dramatic return to the Assembly complex.
“If you are going to do that, you must follow the rules of the House. It is constitutional to impeach and remove. You have to follow the dictates of the Constitution,” he added.
The crisis in the Lagos Assembly took another turn on Thursday as Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency I, entered the Assembly complex weeks after his colleagues elected Mojisola Meranda to replace him.
Obasa said, “When my security was withdrawn without my consent, did I complain? At the meeting held in Marina, which saw the attendance of all party leaders, it was made clear, with hopes that all members were present, that Meranda herself declared her resignation. She made it known that she has stepped down.
“Now, when someone resigns from office, the associated paraphernalia is taken away. So, the question arises: Have you also resigned? Because we understand that part of the arrangement is for you to step down as well. Let them present the resignation letter. And if I were to resign, would I still be here? I’m sure you’d still address me as Speaker, even though we’ve never had a conversation before.”
A crowd of supporters gathered at the entrance of the Assembly Complex, chanting in solidarity with him.
Speaking to journalists, the 52-year-old politician asserted, “Obasa is the speaker.”
When asked if he had been reinstated, he maintained, “I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional but in doing that, you must follow the due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.”
Meanwhile, lawmakers loyal to Mojisola Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, rejected Obasa’s claim, insisting that Meranda remained the Speaker.
