Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has revealed that the 2025 Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis nearly led to his removal from office.

The political crisis began in January 2025 after the impeachment of then Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly over allegations of misconduct and abuse of office while he was reportedly outside the country.

Following Obasa’s removal, lawmakers elected then Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda as Speaker, making her the first woman to hold the position in the Lagos Assembly. However, the development triggered a heated legal and political dispute after Obasa rejected his impeachment and challenged the decision in court.

After 49 days in office, Meranda stepped down, and Obasa was later reinstated following political interventions linked to President Bola Tinubu. A court ruling also nullified the impeachment process.

Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Thursday, Gbajabiamila said the crisis placed his position under serious threat, especially amid allegations involving Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot.

He disclosed that President Tinubu personally questioned him during the crisis at his Abuja residence, raising concerns about Elliot’s alleged role in the political tension.

Gbajabiamila said he initially defended Elliot but later contacted him to clarify his involvement and urged him to publicly deny any connection to the impeachment plot if he was not involved.

According to him, the situation escalated when the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) reached out, informing him that his name was being linked to the crisis and alleged support for Elliot.

He added that despite repeated requests, Elliot reportedly declined to issue a public denial, further complicating the situation.

Gbajabiamila said the controversy could have had serious political consequences for him if not for his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu.

He also alleged that Elliot’s actions contributed to rising religious tensions in Surulere, claiming the situation deepened divisions within the constituency.

The remarks come amid renewed political activity within the Lagos APC, where some stakeholders have recently accused Gbajabiamila of attempting to influence candidate selection ahead of upcoming elections.