The Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has weighed in on the ongoing crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that lawmakers do not have absolute authority to remove or install their leaders without party consultation.
Olusi’s remarks come amid the leadership tussle between Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda, both of whom claim the Speakership following Obasa’s removal on January 13, 2025.
Speaking with journalists for the first time since the crisis erupted, Olusi clarified that neither the GAC—the highest decision-making organ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos—nor the party itself was consulted before the lawmakers took action.
“We read about it that morning. The lawmakers carried it out without consulting the party and those of us in the GAC. That is our position,” Olusi stated.
He further emphasized that while the lawmakers are representatives of the people, they remain political officeholders sponsored by the party, and as such, major leadership decisions should involve party structures.
“I blamed them for one thing: for not lodging their complaints with the party earlier. It is for the party to decide. They (lawmakers) have no absolute power to remove and install their leaders. Nobody can become a member of the House of Assembly unless sponsored by a political party, and the sponsors are the inspectors,” he added.
Ongoing Efforts to Resolve the Crisis
The GAC and other key APC stakeholders have been holding meetings to mediate between the aggrieved lawmakers. Olusi disclosed that a high-powered reconciliation committee, led by former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, has been set up to address the dispute.
Other committee members include former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Chief Pius Akinyelure, and other notable figures.
“They are working and making efforts to resolve the matter. I know they are in consultation with the House of Assembly, Obasa, and the other Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda,” Olusi revealed.
He also assured that the GAC, alongside the APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is fully involved in ensuring a peaceful resolution.