Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly holding today and the election of its principal officers, there are strong indications that the incumbent Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has been cleared by the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to run for a third term while his rival, Abiodun Tobun, who represents Epe Constituency 1, may emerge as Deputy Speaker.
The Guardian, yesterday, learnt that Obasa was cleared with some conditions, among which is that he should henceforth treat and respect other legislators in the Assembly as equal.
A source from the Executive arm also told The Guardian that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was non-chalant about whether Obasa should return or not, might have given his nod on the ground that since Obasa has now realised people’s untoward disposition towards his (Obasa) character, “the Speaker is mature enough to amend his ways and relate peacefully with people.”
“However, Obasa may need to tread carefully as he is going in for third term, realising the fact that President Bola Tinubu, who determines and dictates what goes on before in Lagos politics will now be very busy with national issues.
“The Speaker may likely face impeachment if he is found wanting. Since the Tobun’s interest started, the Speaker had run frantically to sustain the position and fortune smiled on him when the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) waded in to settle for Obasa to continue in office,” a source said.
The GAC was said to have met in Lagos last week to resolve the brewing crisis, especially with consideration that it would not speak well if President Tinubu’s political base, which is Lagos, is perceived to be in crisis.
