Tension rose in Lagos as protests broke out following the controversy surrounding the impeachment of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Lawmakers, under pressure from party leadership, tendered a public apology to President Bola Tinubu for initiating the impeachment process, sources have revealed.
The move to pacify Tinubu came after an emergency meeting called by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC). The meeting, held at the Lagos House, Marina, was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and key GAC members.
According to insiders, President Tinubu expressed strong disapproval of the impeachment attempt and instructed that steps be taken to reverse it. The directive has reportedly deepened divisions within the party, with opposing factions vying for control.
The crisis became public when two prominent GAC members, Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, condemned Obasa’s removal, calling it illegal and a show of disrespect toward party leadership. Their criticism was swiftly countered by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who dismissed their remarks as childish and warned against making impulsive statements on such sensitive matters.
Sources confirmed that Tinubu’s push for Obasa’s reinstatement is gaining traction among some lawmakers, while others remain firmly opposed. The Peoples Gazette reported on Sunday that Tinubu had instructed Assembly members to prepare for Obasa’s return as Speaker, signaling the president’s firm stance on the issue.
However, the directive has caused significant unrest among those resisting the move. Protests reportedly broke out on Lagos Island, particularly in areas linked to the newly appointed Speaker, Hon. Meranda. Protesters, believed to have the backing of influential political figures, demanded that the Assembly uphold the impeachment and resist any attempt to reinstate Obasa.
