Fresh political controversy has erupted following a viral video in which the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, recounted behind-the-scenes tensions during the impeachment crisis of Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
In the footage, Gbajabiamila also referenced actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot, sparking renewed debate over the internal power struggle that followed Obasa’s removal in January 2025 and his eventual reinstatement weeks later.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial impropriety.
His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately sworn in as Speaker, marking a dramatic shift in the leadership of the Assembly.
However, after weeks of political negotiations and interventions by key actors within the ruling party, Obasa was reinstated on March 3, 2025, restoring the status quo after one of the most turbulent legislative crises in recent Lagos political history.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Gbajabiamila said, “I almost lost my job because of Desmond Elliot last year.”
He further recalled being summoned by President Bola Tinubu at the height of the crisis, where he was confronted over allegations linking Elliot to destabilisation efforts within the Lagos Assembly.
According to him, the President said, “I hear this Desmond is your boy… he is part of the people causing problems in the Lagos Assembly.”
Gbajabiamila said he immediately defended Elliot, insisting he was not involved in any factional activity.
He also disclosed that days later, he was contacted by the Director-General of the Department of State Services, who raised concerns that his name was being mentioned in connection with the crisis.
“Three days later, the Director General called me and said there was a serious issue… my name was everywhere as the person supporting Desmond to push for impeachment.”
The comments have sparked renewed political interpretations, especially around the reference to the “Director General,” which observers say points to the Director-General of the Department of State Services given the intelligence-related context of the crisis.
Analysts note that the Lagos Assembly crisis had created deep factional divisions, with pro- and anti-Obasa camps emerging amid intense lobbying within the state legislature and the ruling party.
Gbajabiamila’s remarks have now revived speculation that intelligence monitoring and political profiling may have played a role during the height of the legislative standoff.
Political observers say the situation underscores how the crisis extended beyond parliamentary disagreement into a wider struggle involving party power blocs and federal-level attention.
The video continues to generate reactions across political circles, though neither Gbajabiamila’s office nor the DSS has issued any official clarification regarding the interpretation surrounding it.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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