The Lagos State House of Assembly was thrown into chaos today as the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, stormed the legislative chambers with a contingent of armed policemen and supporters, declaring his resumption of office. The bold move was met with immediate rejection from lawmakers, escalating tensions in what has become a dramatic power struggle within the state’s legislative body.
Obasa, who was removed from his position as Speaker in a contentious impeachment process earlier this year, arrived at the Assembly complex in Ikeja around midday, flanked by security personnel and a group described by witnesses as loyalists. Claiming his impeachment was unconstitutional, Obasa asserted his authority, stating, “I have resumed as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The actions taken against me were illegal and cannot stand.”
However, his return was swiftly condemned by a majority of lawmakers who have stood firm in their decision to oust him. In a heated session that followed his arrival, lawmakers issued a collective statement rejecting his reinstatement. “We, the elected representatives of Lagos State, categorically reject Mudashiru Obasa’s attempt to forcefully reclaim the speakership,” the statement read. “His impeachment was carried out in accordance with the law, and we will not allow this breach of democratic principles to stand.”
Eyewitnesses reported a tense standoff as security forces loyal to Obasa clashed briefly with Assembly staff and lawmakers opposed to his return. The situation has raised concerns about the stability of governance in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, with many residents and political observers watching closely.
Posts circulating on X earlier today highlighted the unfolding drama, with some users alleging that Obasa’s actions were supported by hired thugs alongside the police, though these claims remain unverified. The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with sentiments ranging from outrage at the perceived undermining of democratic norms to questions about the legitimacy of the original impeachment.
Obasa’s tenure as Speaker had been marked by both achievements and controversies, including allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power—charges he has consistently denied. His impeachment earlier this year was seen as a victory for lawmakers seeking to assert greater independence within the Assembly, but today’s events suggest the conflict is far from resolved.
Read also: Drama in Lagos Assembly: Impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa set for shocking comeback
Legal experts have weighed in, noting that Obasa’s attempt to resume office without judicial backing or a reversal of the impeachment could be deemed an overreach. “The proper channel would be to challenge the impeachment in court,” said Barrister Femi Adeyemi, a constitutional lawyer based in Lagos. “This forceful approach only deepens the crisis.”
As of this evening, the situation remains fluid, with lawmakers vowing to resist Obasa’s return and calling for intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and national authorities. Meanwhile, security has been tightened around the Assembly complex to prevent further escalation.
The people of Lagos now await clarity on who truly holds the reins of the state’s legislative leadership, as this unfolding saga tests the resilience of democratic institutions in Nigeria’s most populous state.
