Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmaker representing Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has declared his return as Speaker of the 40-member legislative assembly.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon at the Assembly complex, Obasa confirmed, “Obasa is the speaker.” When asked if he had been reinstated, he responded, “I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but due process must be followed. I am not against that. If I oppose that, then I am not democratic.”

However, a faction of lawmakers loyal to Mojisola Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency I, rejected Obasa’s claim, insisting that Meranda remains the speaker.

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Obasa made his first appearance in the Assembly since being removed on January 13, 2025, entering the complex with a group of armed security personnel. His supporters gathered outside, chanting and showing their support.

In January, Obasa was ousted as Speaker following a vote by more than two-thirds of the house due to alleged misconduct, with Meranda subsequently elected as the new Speaker. She became the first female to lead the legislature in the South-West state.

Obasa, who first joined the House in 2007 and served as Speaker from June 2015 until his removal in January 2025, rejected the impeachment.

He claimed his removal was illegitimate as it occurred in his absence while he was out of the country, and he criticized the militarization of the Assembly during the process.

Despite Obasa’s objections, 36 lawmakers loyal to Meranda affirmed her position as Speaker in a vote of confidence, while tempers flared at the Assembly on February 17, 2025, following clashes between security agents and legislative workers. The session was adjourned indefinitely.

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