The Lagos State House of Assembly has re-elected Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, nearly two months after his impeachment in January.

His reinstatement was announced at the House chamber on Monday following the resignation of Speaker Moji Meranda, bringing an end to weeks of internal wrangling that had gripped the assembly.

Obasa, who had dismissed his impeachment as a mere joke, maintained that the process did not follow due process.

Despite the dramatic ouster, he assured that there would be no reprisals against the more than 30 legislators who voted against him, describing them as his “brothers and sisters.”

Details later.

As Muslims across the world commence the sacred month of Ramadan, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged Nigerians to embrace the values of unity, compassion, and self-discipline that define the holy period.

In a goodwill message to Muslim faithful, issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oseni emphasised the importance of using the fasting period for deep reflection, devotion to Allah, and acts of kindness towards the less privileged.

He noted that Nigeria, at this critical time, requires prayers and collective efforts to overcome its economic and security challenges.

“Ramadan is a time of sacrifice, prayer, and charity. It is also an opportunity for us to renew our faith in God and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood across ethnic and religious divides. As we fast and seek divine blessings, let us also remember to support those in need and contribute to the peace and progress of our dear nation,” he said.

The lawmaker commended the resilience of Nigerians in the face of economic hardships and assured his constituents of his continued commitment to policies that will enhance their welfare.

He further expressed confidence in the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, affirming that they are designed to reduce the cost of living, enhance security, and drive national development.

“As leaders, we must remain sensitive to the plight of the people. I am convinced that the Tinubu-led government is restoring Nigeria’s lost hope through various policies. Ramadan teaches us the essence of selflessness, and I call on my colleagues in government to support policies that will ease the burdens on Nigerians. We must ensure that governance translates into real benefits for the citizens,” he added.

Oseni also urged Muslim faithful to conduct themselves peacefully and use the Ramadan period to pray for the nation’s leadership, security agencies, and economic stability.

He wished all Muslims a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan, calling for continued unity among all Nigerians, regardless of religious background, to build a stronger and more prosperous country.

The economic crisis in Nigeria is hitting renters in Lagos hard, as landlords pass down the costs of spiraling inflation, pushing residents further from the city, disrupting children’s education, and worsening the already grueling commutes of workers.

With a population of over 20 million and an influx of 3,000 people daily, Lagos has long struggled with housing demand. However, recent government-led economic reforms—including the floating of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidies—have sent shockwaves through the economy, causing rents to skyrocket across both the affluent islands and the relatively affordable mainland.

“I might just have to find a way to plead with my landlord,” said Yemisi Odusanya, a 40-year-old cookbook author and food blogger. She welcomed twins last year and now faces a staggering 120 percent rent increase on her Lekki apartment, making it nearly impossible to find an alternative for her family of seven.

For Bartholomew Idowu, a transportation worker, the decision is more straightforward.

“I’m planning to pack out,” he said after his landlord hiked his rent by 28 percent—from ₦350,000 ($232) to ₦450,000. However, he remains uncertain about where to move next, as housing prices continue to surge.

Despite the government’s recent revision of inflation data—bringing the official year-on-year rate to 24.48 percent in January from December’s 34.80 percent—many Nigerians find little relief.

“The way out at the moment is to look for a way to pay,” lamented Dennis Erezi, a journalist who chose to stay put despite a 31 percent rent increase, fearing the costs of relocating.

For others, relocation has already had significant consequences. Jimoh Saheed, a personal trainer, was forced out of his one-room flat in Ikoyi when his landlord more than doubled his rent to ₦2.5 million. Moving to the mainland put him further from his clients, forced his children to change schools, and added transportation costs to their already stretched budget.

“This is affecting me emotionally, mentally, and physically,” said the 39-year-old, who now works longer hours but still struggles to keep up with inflation.

Legal Protection Weak, Structural Problems Persist

While Nigerian laws require that rent increases be negotiated between landlords and tenants, attorney Valerian Nwadike noted that enforcement is rare without legal action. He reported a surge in tenant-landlord disputes over the past year.

The government argues that its economic reforms will eventually yield positive results, but for now, the crisis is deepening. High interest rates have made homeownership nearly impossible for most Nigerians, and bureaucratic hurdles continue to stifle developers.

Even as construction cranes dot the Lagos skyline, new housing developments primarily cater to high-end buyers—foreign investors, Nigerians in the diaspora, and oil sector workers who earn in dollars. Economist Steve Onyeiwu explained that this creates a distorted market where luxury housing flourishes while middle- and lower-income residents struggle.

“Most Lagos landlords have dollar-based expenses—such as mortgage payments on overseas properties—so they’re increasing rents to cover losses from the naira’s collapse,” noted a director at Island Shoreline, a property management firm. He revealed that his own landlord recently attempted to double his rent.

A City in Housing Turmoil

While initiatives like the Lagos-Ibadan rail line may eventually ease transportation burdens, the rising cost of living has created a snowball effect that continues to push rents higher.

With lease payments typically required upfront for one to three years, both tenants and landlords scramble to hedge against inflation. However, the scale of rent hikes is unprecedented.

“The current spike is alarming,” said Ismail Oriyomi Akinola, a real estate agent, highlighting cases where Victoria Island rents have jumped by 200 percent.

“Good shelter is essential for everyone, not just the rich,” he added.