The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a new turn as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos clarified that Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s resignation was not part of the agreement reached to resolve the dispute.
This comes after Obasa convened a meeting with lawmakers in an effort to restore unity within the House, a day after securing re-election.
News About Nigeria learnt that Obasa also pledged to withdraw the lawsuit he had filed following his earlier removal.
His re-election came after former Speaker Mosisili Meranda stepped down, paving the way for his return.
The reconciliation efforts involved key party leaders, including the Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and the state’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, who met with lawmakers opposed to Obasa.
There had been reports suggesting that Obasa had agreed to step down within 48 hours to allow a Speaker from Lagos West to take over, as requested by a group of 34 lawmakers.
However, Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo dismissed these claims, stating that no such arrangement was included in the settlement.
Oladejo said: “To the best of my knowledge, there was no time the arrangement for Obasa to resign came up in the terms of settlement of the crisis.”
In his bid to mend relationships, Obasa held a closed-door meeting with 39 lawmakers at the assembly complex. Deputy Speaker Meranda was also present.
The meeting was aimed at easing tensions and securing support for a stable legislative process.
Sources indicated that Obasa is expected to formally withdraw his lawsuit against the Assembly and 33 lawmakers.
