The political landscape of Lagos State is heating up as the alleged plot to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa gathers momentum, drawing sharp criticism from various stakeholders groups, opposition parties, and civil society organizations. The unfolding drama has triggered concerns about the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)'s stability ahead of the next election cycle.
At the centre of the controversy is the fate of the incumbent Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moji Meranda. Reports suggest that the presidency is exerting pressure to have her resign, paving the way for Obasa’s return. However, women’s advocacy groups have vowed to resist any move that undermines the representation of women in leadership.
“These attempts to force Speaker Meranda out are not only undemocratic, but also a direct assault on gender inclusion in governance,” a spokesperson for one of the groups stated. “We will mobilize our members across the state to resist this injustice.”
With the ruling party grappling with internal discord, opposition parties are seizing the moment to make inroads, particularly at the local government level and in constituencies where APC’s grip appears to be weakening. Sources indicate that opposition strategists are already engaging with disgruntled party members and stakeholders who feel slighted by the moves to reinstate Obasa as Speaker.
A senior member of an opposition party hinted at a broader strategy: “This crisis presents an opportunity for us to take control of some local government councils and state assembly seats. APC’s internal conflicts will only work in our favour.”
Meanwhile, civil society organizations (CSOs) have called on anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate allegations previously levelled against Obasa. They argue that reinstating a figure embroiled in corruption allegations would signal double standards in the nation’s fight against graft.
“If we are serious about accountability, then the anti-graft agencies must do their job. The same system that claims to fight corruption can not be the one rewarding individuals with tainted reputations,” a CSO representative declared.
The controversy took another turn as indigenous groups in Lagos rejected statements from a social commentator, Abioye Oshodi, who publicly supported Obasa’s reinstatement and called for Meranda’s resignation. The groups accused Mr Oshodi of being a jobber, an hustler, a paid political opportunist with no credibility.
“Oshodi has shown himself to be a turncoat who will say or do anything for monetary gain. His call for Speaker Meranda’s resignation is an insult to the integrity of Lagosians,” a community leader fumed.
As tensions mount, political analysts warn that any miscalculation by the ruling APC could have dire consequences in future elections. The battle for control of the Lagos Assembly is shaping up to be a litmus test for the party’s internal cohesion and public perception, with opposition forces rallying and stakeholders pushing back against perceived injustices, the coming weeks promise to be decisive in determining the political trajectory of Lagos State.
