Did President Tinubu Order Reinstatement of Ex-Lagos Speaker, Obasa?

Claims that President Bola Tinubu has directed the reinstatement of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, have been dismissed as “fake news,” according to sources within the state government and legislature.

Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, after 37 out of 40 members of the Assembly voted him out over allegations of misconduct, misappropriation of funds, breach of public trust, and abuse of power. His removal marked a significant political shift in the Lagos Assembly, leading to the emergence of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the first female Speaker in the history of the House.

Since Obasa’s removal, there have been speculations about possible attempts to overturn the Assembly’s decision, with reports surfacing that President Tinubu had intervened to facilitate his reinstatement. However, a senior legislative aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed these reports as a calculated misinformation campaign designed to create confusion and instability within the House. “There is no directive from the Presidency to reinstate Obasa. This is merely a distraction orchestrated by those who refuse to accept the reality of the new leadership,” the source stated.

Another official within the government, who is closely associated with Speaker Meranda, also debunked the claims, insisting that Meranda’s leadership enjoys broad support from key stakeholders in Lagos politics. According to the official, since her emergence as Speaker, she has received backing from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), and past lawmakers from the 1st to the 9th Assembly. “Since her election, Speaker Meranda has received widespread support. The idea that her mandate is being reversed is baseless. These claims are being spread by those who are yet to come to terms with the reality of a new leadership,” the official added.

Political analysts have also weighed in on the controversy, with some suggesting that the reports of Tinubu’s involvement may be a strategic move by Obasa’s allies to pressure the political establishment into reconsidering his removal. According to one analyst, the spread of such misinformation fits into a familiar pattern in Nigerian politics, where political figures facing adversity resort to creating narratives that suggest high-level intervention in their favor. “This is not the first time we are seeing attempts to manipulate public perception through fake news. The bigger question is: Will this tactic work, or is it just an act of a sore loser?” the analyst questioned.

A source within the Assembly also described the situation as “a classic case of political desperation,” noting that the House remains firm in its decision and has shown no indication of reversing course. “The legislators who voted Obasa out did so based on serious allegations. They took a stand for accountability and integrity in governance. There is no indication that they are willing to go back on that decision,” the source said.

Despite the swirling speculations, Speaker Meranda has continued with her legislative duties, making key appointments and pushing forward with the House’s legislative agenda. Insiders indicate that the Assembly remains united under her leadership, with lawmakers focused on their responsibilities rather than the political distractions around Obasa’s removal.

With the controversy still unfolding, political observers are watching closely to see whether Obasa’s camp will escalate its efforts to regain power or accept the decision of the House as final. The lingering question now is: What comes next for Lagos politics, and will Obasa make a final move in his bid for reinstatement?