Kehinde Fajobi
Reports that President Bola Tinubu directed Lagos lawmakers to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker have been dismissed as “fake news” aimed at distracting the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
The rumour, which spread online on Sunday, claimed Tinubu pressured the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Obasa just three weeks after his removal.
It alleged that Tinubu warned lawmakers that the political cost of ousting Obasa outweighed the benefits of punishing his alleged corruption and misconduct.
A senior Lagos politician was quoted as saying, “The president has sent instruction that we should start preparing to let him come back.”
The report further claimed Tinubu assured lawmakers that Obasa would step down voluntarily after a short period.
However, some lawmakers reportedly resisted the idea.
“We’re afraid that bringing him back will be like trying to pacify a snake after its head was severed,” a source said. “Its venom will be super deadly.”
Obasa was removed on January 13 by 32 out of 40 Assembly members over allegations of misconduct, misappropriation, and abuse of office. He was replaced by Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.
A lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, dismissed the reinstatement claims, saying, “This is nothing but fake news based on the fact that she has met with The President, Mr Governor, The GAC, and past members from the 1st to the 9th Assembly, among many others.”
The lawmaker added that Meranda’s election had received widespread support, further solidifying her legitimacy.
“Lagos lawmakers are solidly behind the leadership of Rt Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who was constitutionally elected.”
Meanwhile, an aide to Meranda, also speaking anonymously, declined to comment on the rumour, stating that the Speaker was focused on governance and would not be distracted by “cheap talks and mere speculations to cause confusion over leadership change of the assembly.”