NewStats: 3,262,163 , 8,176,292 topics. Date: Sunday, 01 June 2025 at 05:36 AM 1m682n

Cracks in Tinubu’s dynasty as president locks horn with Lagos lawmakers, GAC over Obasa

By Ismaeel Uthman


The removal of the embattled lawmaker, Mudasiru Obasa, as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has created cracks in President Bola Tinubu’s dynasty. Ismaeel Uthman writes

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu’s decades-long political dynasty in Lagos is experiencing its first major crisis following the intrigues surrounding the removal of the embattled lawmaker, Mudasiru Obasa, as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Obasa’s removal and the given to the lawmakers by many Governance Advisory Council without consulting Tinubu signal an unexpected political move within the All Progressives Congress, a party where the President remains the state and national leader.

Previously, it was widely believed that the President approved Obasa’s removal before the state lawmakers took action.

However, sources close to Tinubu and familiar with Lagos APC politics revealed that the President was not consulted before the lawmakers took the decision.

According to the sources, the President was embarrassed that such a significant political move was executed without his knowledge and was puzzled why many GAC would the decision.

Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13 by 36 lawmakers over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement.

The Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately sworn in as the new Speaker, while the Chief Whip, Mojeed Fatai, was elected as the new Deputy Speaker.

Obasa, who had been Speaker since 2015 and represents Agege Constituency I, insisted upon his return to Lagos from the United States that he remained the speaker.

His removal has since divided the GAC caucus and the APC in Lagos.

To assert his authority, President Tinubu, according to sources, directed GAC to persuade Lagos lawmakers to reinstate Obasa and allow him to resign.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the GAC held a marathon meeting on Monday at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, where they conveyed the President’s directive to the lawmakers.

However, despite apologising to Tinubu at the meeting and reaffirming their loyalty to the President, the lawmakers reportedly insisted that Obasa would not be reinstated.

Of the 39 lawmakers present at the meeting, 37 voted against Obasa’s reinstatement.

It was gathered that the agreed to write a letter of apology to the President explaining why Obasa could not be reinstated.

A viral video on social media showed some APC dancing and singing praises of the new Lagos Assembly Speaker, urging her to continue her speakership.

According to sources, six GAC chosen across the three senatorial districts of the state travelled to Abuja on Wednesday to deliver the lawmakers’ letter to Tinubu.

However, for undisclosed reasons, they were unable to meet with the President.

Providing insight into the crisis, a prominent APC chieftain with knowledge of the ongoing intrigues described the development as a major political challenge for Tinubu.

According to the source, the Lagos progressive family would never remain the same due to the political machinations.

He explained that the crisis was driven by three major political factors: the 2027 governorship election, the rivalry between the Justice Forum and Mandate caucuses within the APC, and the ambitions of Lagos indigenes to dominate the state’s political structure.

Sunday PUNCH learned that Obasa belonged to the Mandate group, while many of the lawmakers and GAC were d with the Justice Forum.

The APC chieftain stated that many GAC , particularly Lagos indigenes, initiated Obasa’s removal to stifle his governorship ambition.

He also noted that the power struggle between the Mandate group and the Justice Forum over the control of the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections played a significant role in Obasa’s ouster.

“The President is not happy that the lawmakers and the GAC acted in this manner. He feels betrayed. You know the level of control he has in Lagos. Nobody wields absolute power without other forces ing them, especially in Lagos politics. For them to have taken such action without his blessing, it amounts to disloyalty and a betrayal of trust.

“The situation now is a test of wills—who will blink first? The President has insisted that they comply with his directive to reinstate Obasa, but they have not done so. It is almost as if they are challenging Tinubu’s authority in Lagos.

“This is an unusual development. Even before Tinubu became President, he maintained control over the state. Now, they are dealing with someone who has always emerged victorious in political battles. Even when he faced challenges in the primaries and the presidential election, he still prevailed. This crisis is a significant test for him,” the source said.

The APC chieftain confirmed that the GAC who travelled to Abuja were denied an audience with the President.


“Those who went to Abuja were not granted audience. If anyone claims otherwise, they are merely playing politics.

“After this, the APC and the progressive structure in Lagos may change permanently. What happened is unprecedented. This crisis has created distrust. Political betrayal of this magnitude cannot be overlooked. It necessitates a strategic realignment to prevent a recurrence. If you are betrayed once, you might gain public sympathy. But if it happens again, it becomes a liability,” the source said.

Speaking on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s role in the crisis, the APC chieftain declared, “The governor is playing the devil’s advocate. Some say he is the major financier of this entire situation and is the one ensuring that the President’s directive is not followed.”

Sanwo-Olu had earlier distanced himself from Obasa’s removal, describing it as strictly a legislative affair devoid of political interference from the state government.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in an interview with The PUNCH, said, “It is purely a legislative matter, and the Assembly handled it the best way they could. It has nothing to do with the governor.”

But the source reiterated that the current political crisis was part of the permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He said, “It is a matter of getting a stumbling block out of the way. It is a game where the end justifies the means.

“The politics of 2027 has begun. Perhaps uncharacteristically, the speaker (Obasa) showed his hand too early, making himself a target for attack and destruction. After that infamous budget speech, Obasa became an easy target for those with similar ambitions.

“He gave them the opportunity to work against him, brainwashing of the House about issues they were already aware of. They played it tough, making it seem as though the Speaker had been exploiting them.”

However, a top politician in the Lagos West senatorial district, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, dismissed the claim that Obasa was removed due to indigenous factors.

According to the aspirant, the lawmakers removed Obasa because he was hampering their political and social well-being.

He argued that if the former speaker had maintained good relations with his colleagues, he would have been aware of the plot to remove him.

“What happened is a crisis within the legislature; it has nothing to do with being an indigene or not, nor with the 2027 governorship election. The fact that 36 out of 40 lawmakers orchestrated Obasa’s removal without him knowing in advance speaks volumes. It confirms reports that he did not have a good relationship with the lawmakers,” he said.

Speaking on the reported directive from the President to reinstate Obasa as Speaker, the APC aspirant warned that such a move would backfire and have devastating consequences for the party in future elections.

He said, “Removing the new Speaker will cause more crises for the party. Besides, how do we confirm that the President even gave such a directive? It could be a case of name-dropping. Assuming the directive is real, implementing it would be difficult because it would be seen as an attack on the indigenes.

“The new Speaker and her deputy are both Lagos indigenes. She is already receiving strong from feminists and other female-led groups. Removing her would have a ripple effect on the party.”

Commenting on the crisis, a chieftain of the APC, Joe Igbokwe, said the matter wouldn’t go out of hand, saying ‘the bubble will not burst.’

He expressed his confidence in the ability of the GAC to manage the crisis, maintaining that there was no cause for alarm.

Igbokwe who spoke with Sunday PUNCH, said, “Lagos is Lagos and when the chips are down, everybody comes to the table and addresses the matter. Lagos has come a long way in matters of democracy and how to handle things like this. There are strong elders among the GAC who will sit down, look into the matter, and try to resolve whatever it is.

“GAC is one body that I respect in Lagos; the bubble will not burst. There is no cause for alarm. Given my experience in Lagos politics, in which I have worked for almost 20 years, of the GAC are committed and strong-willed. They have wisdom and understanding; they know when to go and when to stop, so there is no cause for worry.

“There is nothing GAC cannot manage; the current issue will not get out of hand. No man can change the system of Lagos, and one man cannot cause division in GAC. It is a kind of collective responsibility, and they are always united in anything they do.”

A chieftain of the APC, Fouad Oki, had on Wednesday cautioned the party leadership against prolonging the crisis, warning that doing so would be dangerous.

He urged GAC to respect the independence of the House of Assembly and acknowledge the broad the new Speaker, Meranda, had received from various sections of society.

Oki said, “This bold statement reflects a desire for progress and reform. It is imperative that we, as leaders of the APC, do not dismiss the voices of the people. Ignoring this sentiment could lead to political dangers that may jeopardise our party’s standing and unity.

“I urge you to consider the implications of prolonging this discord. Let us not allow our internal disagreements to overshadow the greater goal of serving the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.”

https://punchng.com/cracks-in-tinubus-dynasty-as-president-locks-horn-with-lagos-lawmakers-gac-over-obasa/?amp

It is on record that every dynasty started in a day and the fall also started in a day

This Obasa and his uncouth mouth. An arrogant man. He should go and face his finished political career.

Hehehe! Tinubu and Obasa? An apple doesn't always fall far from its tree. Fingers crossed.

Adedibu came and has gone.
The senior saraki too has long gone.
These babas held their states,Kwara and Oyo by the jugular.
This current one from iragbiji wants to hold the entire nation to ransom....to imagine he was a once revered person in the days of AD and nadeco... people never knew he was just pretending. An old man still after every penny

RUBBISH!!!

Yarimo, LegendHero, Seunsmg and other Agbad0rian m1screants are Not here to comment,
in such an issue about Lagos.

Busy waiting for PETER OBI news to shake their Small Tails.

Is seems we have not seen the end of Obasa's removal. This sponsored story is simply someone invoking plausible deniability with the hope of continuing to enjoy Obasa's . It might not work this time.

Next to be schemed out of the race will be Gbajabiamilla. The signs are already there for the discerning. The coast is getting cleared for someone to have a smooth sail.

🥱

Islie:
Cracks in Tinubu’s dynasty as president locks horn with Lagos lawmakers, GAC over Obasa





https://punchng.com/cracks-in-tinubus-dynasty-as-president-locks-horn-with-lagos-lawmakers-gac-over-obasa/?amp

The damage is already done—Obasa’s impeachment cannot be reversed, no matter how much Tinubu wants it. The lawmakers have made their stance clear, and trying to force him back will only create more division. The best way forward is for Tinubu and the GAC to accept reality, negotiate a peaceful settlement, and ensure the APC remains united ahead of 2027. If Obasa still has political ambitions, he should focus on rebuilding his influence instead of fighting a lost battle.

This Obasa self resemble person wey no send people. In order words he resembles wicked man plus say him get bad mouth and can talk anyhow and lacking emotional intelligence. Good riddance to bad rubbish

Obasa is a gonner

Story

2027 here we come

Obasa was the architect of his downfall, he lacked tact and emotional intelligence. He became too confident. He made himself an open and easy target

Whatever happens, eventually he is the greatest loser. Lesson for the wise.

Greenback:
Adedibu came and has gone.
The senior saraki too has long gone.
These babas held their states,Kwara and Oyo by the jugular.
This current one from iragbiji wants to hold the entire nation to ransom....to imagine he was a once revered person in the days of AD and nadeco... people never knew he was just pretending. An old man still after every penny

I Adedibu and his 'Amala' politics. He was the strong man of Ibadan/Oyo politics.

No cracks anywhere. Nigerians are really suffering and it saddens me. I'm no exception. Even in my poverty state, I still help when I can. I believe nobody is too poor to give and nobody is too Rich to receive

Keep playing 😂😂
People wey write apology letter to Tinubu

They are fighting for themselves so I care less. Normal normal, all are useless to the society.

Obasa was Tinubu's capone used to checkmate the excessives of the Executive arms in Lagos. Obasa could have been a minister or senator by now but Tinubu kept him as speaker to keep eye on lagos decision making body. Obasa amassed vast wealth only to become too arrogant that he frowned on Governors directives. No cartel last forever.

By now we should be tired of this series, pls next episode naaa

The best thing for Tinubu to do now is to allow the lawmakers to decide

You people carrying useless news, Obasa is a small piece of cake here to Tinubu.
.. ordinary door , Obasa can't shake not to talk of Tinubu

Asiwaju will solve it.

The kind of politics the masses understand is to shout or write up and down" this man sabi politics. This one is a strong man" while playing akawo with their lives and the people who make decision for what would be the direction of their destiny live in affluence. People like Hell_in_anus, Yorimumu and co.

Implosion of Tinubu political structure in Lagos will be a good news to the ear, anything that can bring real division in his Lagos engine room is welcome.


I come in Peace

Nothin last forever.... It's bound to happen

Racoon:
Hehehe! Tinubu and Obasa? An apple doesn't always fall far from its tree. Fingers crossed.

Even as u are advanced in age, U still haven’t learnt your lesson?

Sorry for u.

saintmm:
Implosion of Tinubu political structure in Lagos will be a good news to the ear, anything that can bring real division in his Lagos engine room is welcome.


I come in Peace

U will leave in pieces, make the press give the disgruntled losers something to jostle about.

Abeg, is Obasa's crisis in anyway linked to the closure of all the Bokku stores? Abeg, make them leave Bokku alone o, it has provided jobs for a lot of people

On a side note, Obasa not being aware of his planned removal says a lot... Was his phone and that of all his aides switched off that no legislator could hint him of what was about to be done... It sounds awkward actually

Also, I don't believe such action would have been taken without Abuja being aware of it...some of the legislators that participated in the removal must have called Abuja to get firsthand information on whether that is the directive from above or not

Yampotatocarrot:
Abeg, is Obasa's crisis in anyway linked to the closure of all the Bokku stores? Abeg, make them leave Bokku alone o, it has provided jobs for a lot of people

On a side note, Obasa not being aware of his planned removal says a lot... Was his phone and that of all his aides switched off that no legislator could hint him of what was about to be done... It sounds awkward actually

Also, I don't believe such action would have been taken without Abuja being aware of it...some of the legislators that participated in the removal must have called Abuja to get firsthand information on whether that is the directive from above or not

He is gone forever.

There is a reason why Obasa has been the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015. That is 10 years now.

One thing I know why Tinubu is on the side of the Speaker is that he (Tinubu) doesn't believe in gentleman politics. He sees Obasa as that kind of politician that can mobilize boys to cause mayhem at polling stations, including ballot snatching and whatnot, when the need arises; hence, he believes Obasa will be useful for him in 2027.

Tinubu will choose an Obasa over Osinbajo one million times if push comes to shove.

Unfortunately for Nigerians, that's the kind of man we have at the helm of affairs