The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is set to hold an emergency meeting today (Monday) to address the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly. This meeting, deemed crucial, will take place at the Lagos House Marina, the official residence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The GAC is the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC, and its rulings are binding on members. The council is chaired by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as its lifetime patron.
This emergency meeting comes just two weeks after the council held a similar gathering at the same venue to discuss the deepening crisis in the House of Assembly. Simultaneously, Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to preside over the regular Monday Executive Council meeting, where the matter will also be extensively deliberated upon in a bid to find a lasting and peaceful resolution.
Background of the Crisis
The crisis erupted on January 13, 2025, when the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was removed in absentia by 32 out of 40 members of the House over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, was immediately installed as the new Speaker, sparking conflicting reactions from different factions within the APC, party loyalists, and the general public.
The fallout from Obasa’s removal further divided the GAC, with members taking opposing stances on the process leading to his ousting.
Conflicting Opinions Within GAC
Some members of the GAC had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which Obasa was removed.
- Muraina Taiwo, a GAC member from Isolo Constituency, criticized the lawmakers for reconvening during recess to carry out the removal.
- Musiliu Obanikoro and Senator Anthony Adefuye also had divergent opinions—while Adefuye argued that Obasa was illegally removed, Obanikoro dismissed the claim, calling it a careless statement.
- Meanwhile, GAC Secretary, Mutiu Are, downplayed the situation, describing it as a family issue that would be settled internally.
Efforts to Resolve the Conflict
In the wake of Obasa’s removal, the GAC has intensified efforts to bring all warring factions together and ensure an amicable resolution to the crisis. Reports from the weekend suggest that the APC leadership in Lagos is keen on preventing further divisions within the party, particularly as the political landscape heats up ahead of future elections.
As the emergency GAC meeting unfolds, all eyes remain on the outcome of discussions and whether the APC leadership can successfully restore unity within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
