Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and members of the House who oppose the reinstatement of impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa have engaged senior lawyers, including Femi Falana (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), and Muiz Banire (SAN), to represent them in the ongoing legal battle. On Thursday, Obasa returned to the Assembly Complex, declaring that he had resumed office as Speaker, despite being impeached earlier in the year. His arrival, heavily escorted by police and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, marked his first visit since the January 13, 2025, impeachment.

Obasa’s return followed the withdrawal of all security personnel assigned to Speaker Meranda, raising concerns about her safety amid the escalating leadership crisis. The legal team representing Meranda and the Assembly is set to appear in court on Friday for proceedings related to the dispute.

Meanwhile, 36 members of the Assembly have publicly rejected Obasa’s claim to reinstatement, calling his return a “charade” and an “embarrassment.” These lawmakers reiterated their support for Speaker Meranda and demanded that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) respect the current power dynamics. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, expressed shock at Obasa’s actions, emphasizing that they would not take the law into their own hands but would continue to uphold their mandates. He also voiced dissatisfaction with the treatment they received at the Assembly gate, stressing that despite their compliance with the law, they expected to be treated with dignity and respect.