The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has revealed that he nearly lost his chief of staff job following political tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis involving lawmaker Desmond Elliot. The disclosure adds fresh insight into the internal political pressure surrounding the impeachment saga and party alignments in Lagos politics.
Gbajabiamila explained that the situation escalated after President Bola Tinubu reportedly summoned him at the height of the Lagos Assembly leadership crisis. He said intelligence reports had linked Elliot to activities connected to the dispute involving the then Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
According to him, the President questioned Elliot’s involvement and urged him to clarify the situation. Gbajabiamila said he initially defended the lawmaker, stating he was not involved in the political tensions at the time.
The remarks relate to the wider impeachment and leadership crisis that affected the Lagos State House of Assembly. The dispute led to the removal and later reinstatement of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa after interventions and political negotiations within the ruling party structure.
Gbajabiamila said the crisis triggered multiple allegations and intelligence briefings, with various political actors reportedly mentioned in connection with the internal conflict. He noted that his own name later surfaced in relation to the controversy, increasing scrutiny around his role as Chief of Staff.
Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu told him that intelligence available suggested Desmond Elliot was among those involved in the unfolding Assembly tensions. He said he was instructed to speak with the lawmaker and ensure clarity on his position.
He stated that after the conversation, he contacted Elliot and advised him to distance himself from the controversy and issue a public clarification regarding his involvement. Gbajabiamila also disclosed that days later, he was informed that his own name was being mentioned in connection with the crisis, which further intensified political pressure around the matter.
The development highlights the sensitivity of internal party disputes within Lagos politics, particularly involving influential lawmakers and senior government officials. The situation also reflects how legislative crises can escalate into broader political scrutiny involving top executive office holders.
The Chief of Staff job revelation underscores the level of pressure that accompanied the Lagos Assembly leadership dispute, which attracted national attention and party-level intervention before its resolution.
