Olusi maintained that the lawmakers do not have absolute power to remove or install their leaders without the party’s involvement. “We only read about it that morning.
The Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has accused lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly of failing to consult party leaders before removing Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
Olusi maintained that the lawmakers do not have absolute power to remove or install their leaders without the party’s involvement. “We only read about it that morning.
“The lawmakers acted without consulting the party and those of us in the GAC. That is our position,” he said.
He further revealed that the GAC had invited all parties involved and listened to their complaints, but faulted the lawmakers for not addressing their grievances with the party earlier.
“I blame them for not bringing their complaints to the party sooner. It is the party’s decision to make — they (the lawmakers) do not have 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.
Olusi also disclosed that discussions were ongoing to resolve the crisis.
“The problem is between the Speaker (Obasa) and his colleagues, which led to his removal. It is a dispute among them.”
“Currently, a high-powered committee led by Chief Bisi Akande, with members including Aremo Olusegun Osoba and former APC National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Pius Akinyelure, is working to resolve the matter.
“I know they are consulting with the House of Assembly, Obasa, and the new Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. “Those of us in the GAC, alongside the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, are doing everything within our power to support the committee,” he stated.
His remarks come amid lawmakers’ insistence that Obasa would not be reinstated as Speaker. Obasa, in protest against his removal, had staged a parallel plenary alongside four lawmakers.
The case is currently before a Lagos State High Court.
Although there have been reports of President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, recent developments suggest the crisis is ongoing.
More recently, Speaker Meranda condemned Obasa’s invasion of her office, calling it a “show of shame.” Speaking after a court hearing where Obasa challenged his removal, Meranda emphasised that the legal process had just begun.
“This is just the beginning, and I believe we should allow the legal team to do their work,” she said.
When asked about Obasa’s session with four lawmakers inside the Assembly, she acknowledged his right to be there but criticised his forceful entry into her office.
“He is still a member of the House of Assembly, so he has every right to be in the complex. But invading the premises and breaking into my office — that is unacceptable,” she stated.
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