Embattled Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has stormed back into office, asserting that he has resumed his position.

Obasa, who re-entered the Assembly complex – accompanied by police and State Security Service personnel for the first time since his removal on 13 January – stated, “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly.”

He arrived at the Assembly complex in the company of a retinue of security aides. This move follows reports that the security detail assigned to incumbent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. Meranda’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Segun Ajiboye, confirmed the development in a brief message on Thursday, alleging that Obasa and his team had, in effect, broken into the Speaker’s office. “They have restored all of Obasa’s security aides as of this morning,” another source commented.

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The ousted speaker reached the legislative building around midday and proceeded directly to the Speaker’s office. Obasa was removed from the role while out of the country on 13 January, with Meranda being immediately elected as his successor. On 25 January, Obasa received a hero’s welcome from his supporters upon his return. He has since criticised the impeachment process, insisting that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the House.

“I am not disturbed; I am not afraid of the developments at the Assembly,” he said. “I believe in removal – there is no impeachment in the Assembly. You cannot impeach the Speaker; perhaps there is a mistake on their part. You can only remove the Speaker, and if you must do so, you must ensure that you follow the proper procedures. I am not afraid to be removed; after all, I have served as Speaker and as a member of the House of Assembly since 2003. So, what is the problem? I firmly believe that I remain the Speaker until the correct process has been followed.”

Speculation had mounted that pressure was being exerted on Meranda to tender her resignation. Obasa, meanwhile, has been accused by more than 90 per cent of the lawmakers of exhibiting a poor leadership style, including perpetual lateness to sessions and plenaries, high-handedness, and a disregard for fellow legislators and the executive—particularly the governor. He has also faced allegations of abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of members, and misappropriation.

In an effort to resolve the crisis, prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress—including former governors of Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode—along with other political stakeholders, convened a series of meetings last weekend with state figures, including members of the Assembly. At the conclusion of these discussions, there was speculation that both Obasa and Meranda might step aside in favour of another lawmaker to lead the House.

Chief Muraina Taiwo, a member of the Governors Advisor Council, revealed that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West was being considered by party leaders as the prospective new Speaker.