The ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has caused ripples across the state’s political landscape, with deep divisions surfacing within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex advisory body in Lagos. The dispute, which revolves around the controversial impeachment of the former Speaker, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, has not only sparked public debates but has also raised serious questions about the internal dynamics of the state’s leadership.
Yesterday, the Secretary of the GAC, Mr. Mutiu Are, weighed in on the issue, describing the escalating tension within the Assembly as a “family affair.” According to Are, despite the public nature of the matter, the situation should be handled with care and resolved in a manner that preserves unity within the ruling party and political establishment. He called for calm and emphasized that the GAC, as the key advisory organ in Lagos, has the necessary mechanisms to resolve such matters in-house.
“Whatever is currently going on in Lagos politics is a family affair,” Are explained, signaling that the internal politics of the state should be dealt with privately and that public airing of grievances could potentially complicate the situation. “As an elder, I’m not supposed to take sides,” he added, highlighting the neutral and diplomatic role he sought to play in the controversy.
Are further elaborated that while the issue was sensitive, it was important for all parties involved to trust the GAC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms. “We would resolve everything because the GAC, being the apex advisory organ, has its own mechanisms for resolving matters like this. It’s important for us to maintain stability and prevent the matter from spiraling into something uncontrollable.”
The dispute has not been limited to just the GAC. Many political groups within the state have voiced their opinions, with some calling for more drastic actions. A prominent socio-political group, Lovers of Lagos, for instance, has demanded the arrest of Obasa, citing concerns over his use of the official residence of the Speaker, despite no longer holding the position. This demand has added fuel to the fire, as Obasa’s return to the Speaker’s Lodge, where he was welcomed by his supporters, raised serious concerns about his intentions and the potential for further political upheaval.
Yinka Olatunji, the Secretary-General of Lovers of Lagos, expressed in a statement that Obasa’s actions were not only unlawful but also undermined the authority of the new Speaker. Olatunji’s group believes that Obasa’s return to the Speaker’s residence, despite his impeachment, was an attempt to destabilize the state and challenge the legitimacy of the newly established leadership.
This ongoing saga between Obasa’s loyalists and those who support the current political leadership of Lagos has created a power struggle that is far from resolved. While some factions see the removal of Obasa as justified, others view it as an orchestrated political maneuver designed to sideline a key player in the state’s political machinery.
As the drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the GAC, along with other influential stakeholders, will navigate this crisis. Will the matter truly be resolved “in a family way,” as Are hopes, or will it continue to unravel, further dividing the political forces in Lagos? Time will tell.
