By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In what seems to be a brewing political battle within the Lagos State House of Assembly, the coveted position of Deputy Speakership, currently eyed by lawmakers-elect from Kosofe Local Government, is under threat. The highest-ranking legislators from Lagos East Senatorial District, led by Abiodun Tobun, have dared to challenge the reign of the incumbent Speaker, Retired Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, potentially altering the dynamics of power in the assembly.
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Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege Constituency 1 in the Lagos West Senatorial District, has held the Deputy Speakership position and has been a prominent figure in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Notably, Obasa has the distinction of being the first lawmaker to be elected for six consecutive terms in the history of the assembly. Since his election in 2023, he has served as the Speaker, having been elected to the position in 2015 and 2019. With his recent re-election for a sixth term, Obasa seems determined to retain his position as the Speaker in the 10th Assembly.
However, according to findings by the Kosofe Post, Speaker Obasa faces a challenge from Honorable Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe State Constituency I, who has been a member of the House since 2011. Tobun made a categorical declaration during the induction ceremony for newly elected members at the Marriott Hotel in GRA, Ikeja, last week, announcing his intention to run for the Speakership. This announcement has put an end to speculations surrounding his next political move and has set the stage for a potential showdown.
The aspirations of lawmakers-elect from Kosofe Local Government, who were eyeing the Deputy Speakership position, could be in jeopardy if the rumors circulating hold true. It is believed that Governor-elect Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, along with the Governors Advisory Council, may not be comfortable with Obasa returning as Speaker for a third term. In such a scenario, their support for the emergence of a new Speaker from Lagos East could change the course of the Deputy Speakership position.
The potential shift in power dynamics within the Lagos State House of Assembly has generated significant interest among political observers and stakeholders. The competition between Obasa and Tobun, along with the influence of Governor-elect Sanwoolu and the Governors Advisory Council, will likely shape the outcome of the Speaker’s election and subsequently impact the Deputy Speakership position.
As the political landscape evolves and alliances are forged, lawmakers-elect from Kosofe Local Government find themselves in uncertain territory, as their chances of securing the Deputy Speakership position may be foreclosed. The upcoming decisions by Governor-elect Sanwoolu and the Governors Advisory Council will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the future leadership structure of the Lagos State House of Assembly.