President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) leadership have reportedly cautioned the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, against actions deemed disrespectful toward Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his office.
Naija News understands that this intervention followed a meeting between GAC members and President Tinubu in Lagos on Friday, shortly after his return to the state for the year-end break.
The meeting, sources revealed to ThisDay, was initiated by the GAC Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, who briefed the president on political developments in Lagos.
Olusi reportedly highlighted instances of alleged disrespect by the Speaker towards the governor, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of the governor’s office, as it was during Tinubu’s tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007.
Specific incidents, some requiring direct intervention from GAC members, were also detailed during the discussions.
Following Olusi’s remarks, other members, including Obasa, had the opportunity to present their perspectives.
When it was Tinubu’s turn, the president expressed strong displeasure over the reported behavior of the Speaker, criticizing him for not only disrespecting Governor Sanwo-Olu but also for failing to effectively manage the state’s political landscape.
According to sources, Tinubu referenced a controversial bill from the Lagos State Assembly aimed at enabling the removal of the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). He reportedly dismissed the bill as impractical, remarking, “Which governor will sign such a bill into law, anyway?”
After the formal meeting concluded, Obasa reportedly sought a private audience with the president to explain his position. However, two other GAC members joined this impromptu session, where further discussions reportedly upheld the initial criticisms against the Speaker.
An unexpected highlight of the meeting occurred when Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, joined the second session.
After listening to the deliberations, he posed a question: “Although I’m the youngest here, I just needed the clarity for my understanding. Please, why do you have groups within the party when they cannot unite the party?” This question reportedly resonated deeply, bringing the meeting to an end, according to ThisDay.
During the earlier session, President Tinubu reportedly assured the attendees that he was aware of the situation and would address it in due time.
