Mudashiru Obasa, the embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has strongly claimed that Mojisola Meranda, who replaced him as Speaker, has tendered her resignation. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels TV Thursday evening, Obasa asserted that he remains the legitimate Speaker, despite his removal from the position by a majority of his colleagues.
Obasa’s remarks followed an ongoing dispute regarding his ousting as Speaker. He stated that during a meeting with leaders of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Marina,.
Meranda herself openly declared that she had stepped down from the role. This statement, according to Obasa, is key in supporting his belief that he is still the rightful Speaker of the House.
In the interview, Obasa went further to address the issue of security aides, pointing out that while Meranda’s security personnel had been withdrawn, his own aides had been reinstated. He remarked, When my security was withdrawn without my consent, did I complain? At the Marina meeting, Meranda herself confirmed that she had stepped down.
When someone resigns, the privileges of office are taken away.” Obasa’s statement implied that Meranda’s removal from office was not in accordance with the proper procedures, further bolstering his stance on the matter.
The former Speaker emphasized that his removal from office by 36 of the 40 members of the House of Assembly was not valid and did not follow the rules of procedure as outlined in the Constitution.
“I have never been removed,” Obasa stated confidently, adding, I don’t oppose removal, but it must follow the rules of the House and the Constitution.
His insistence on constitutional protocol indicates his belief that the process leading to his removal was fundamentally flawed and lacked the necessary legal and procedural grounds.
Obasa’s claims have added fuel to the ongoing political drama surrounding the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
His statement about Meranda’s resignation came amidst reports of tension within the House, as well as a highly publicized power struggle between factions aligned with different political interests.
Earlier on Thursday, Obasa appeared at the Assembly complex surrounded by a heavy security presence. Despite his claims, the situation at the Assembly remained complicated.
Obasa presided over a plenary session, but reports indicated that only four members were present, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his continued role.
The irregular attendance further raised questions about the support Obasa still commands within the House and the true extent of the division within the legislature.
The power struggle between Obasa and Meranda, as well as the ongoing disagreement over the legality of Obasa’s removal, has become a point of significant political contention. While Obasa maintains his position, asserting that his removal was unlawful, Meranda’s resignation, if confirmed, would potentially mark the end of her brief tenure as Speaker.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on the House of Assembly, as well as the political leadership of Lagos State, to see how the matter will ultimately be resolved.For now, Obasa remains adamant that his removal was illegal, and he has vowed to fight to retain what he views as his rightful position as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
