The recent ruling by the Lagos High Court nullifying the impeachment of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has sent shockwaves across the political landscape—though for many insiders, it was a long-anticipated twist in an unfolding power struggle.

Obasa, a prominent figure in Lagos politics, was ousted on January 13, 2025, by 36 of the Assembly’s 40 lawmakers. Accusations of high-handedness, financial misappropriation, and authoritarian leadership fueled his impeachment, leading to the swift emergence of his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, as the new Speaker.

However, in a strategic countermove, Obasa approached the Lagos High Court on February 12, arguing that his removal was invalid as it occurred while the House was on recess and he was out of the country. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled in his favor, describing the impeachment as unconstitutional and declaring all resolutions made on that day null and void.

Critics now claim the entire drama was part of a well-scripted political play.

According to the pro-development group, Agenda for New Lagos (ANL), Obasa never intended to accept his ouster and allegedly misled his colleagues during reconciliation talks. The group accused him of playing the long game—buying time through a feigned resignation while awaiting a favorable court verdict.

ANL’s Protem Chairman, Kamal Olorunnisola, said:
“As soon as he was ‘re-elected’, out of damage control, he adjourned indefinitely, obviously awaiting judgment. Contrary to the pledge to withdraw his case, he pursued it quietly. The implication is that Meranda was never legally Speaker, and all actions taken during her brief tenure, including the removal of the Clerk, are null.”

Before the court ruling, President Bola Tinubu had intervened in the crisis, deploying elder statesmen like Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Segun Osoba to broker peace. The resolution saw Meranda step down voluntarily, reportedly in exchange for a deal that included Obasa resigning after 48 hours to allow a new Speaker from Lagos West to emerge.

But that deal, according to the APC, never existed—at least not officially.

APC spokesman Seye Oladejo denied any such clause in the peace terms.

“To the best of my knowledge, Obasa’s resignation was never discussed,” he stated. “Politics is about sacrifice and all stakeholders are expected to play their part when necessary.”

As political dust continues to swirl, observers say the real battle may be just beginning, this time, targeting the governorship seat.

Reports suggest that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu could become collateral damage in the power realignment. Sources allege that plans are in motion for Sanwo-Olu to resign, paving the way for his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to complete the term and potentially support Seyi Tinubu—President Tinubu’s son—as APC’s gubernatorial candidate in 2027.

Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Alternate Chairman of the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, issued a veiled warning: “I advise Governor Sanwo-Olu to watch his back. With this outcome, Obasa is now the de facto political leader of Lagos APC. The intervention from Abuja didn’t just restore Obasa—it crowned him.”

As the battle for Lagos intensifies, political actors are bracing for more high-stakes maneuvers in the lead-up to 2027.