Confusion took over the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday when ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa arrived at the complex, allegedly attempting to resume duty. His unexpected appearance, accompanied by heavily armed police officers and civil defence personnel, has thrown the Assembly into turmoil, particularly in the absence of the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
According to sources, Obasa arrived at the Assembly around 11:30 AM, flanked by two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Osmak), representing Mushin Constituency I, and Noheem Adams, representing Mushin Constituency II. His presence created an atmosphere of uncertainty, as reports emerged that the doors to the Speaker’s office had been forcibly opened by his loyalists.
Eyewitnesses revealed that armed miscreants also accompanied Obasa to the complex, allegedly attempting to take possession of the Speaker’s office and reinstate him to power. The situation escalated as access roads to the Assembly complex were taken over by individuals suspected to be his supporters, blocking traffic and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
The development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the Assembly. Verily News had earlier reported that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the withdrawal of all security details assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda, leaving her vulnerable to potential attacks.
An aide to the Speaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that all security personnel, including police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), were withdrawn on Thursday morning without any replacement.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” the aide disclosed.
He further appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene immediately to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
The crisis deepened on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex. Onafeko, who was removed from office alongside Obasa on January 13, arrived at the complex around 9 AM with his lawyer, two security personnel, and unidentified DSS operatives in an attempt to reclaim his office.
However, security personnel at the Assembly complex turned him away. “He, the suspended clerk, was politely told by the lawyer of the State Assembly to leave the complex peacefully as the matter is already in court,” an eyewitness stated.
A viral video of the incident showed Assembly staff booing and jeering at Onafeko, chanting unfavorable slogans as he was escorted out of the premises. In response, the management of the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a statement signed by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu, condemning the development.
The crisis stems from the January 13 removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly. Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker. Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), efforts to resolve the leadership dispute have so far been unsuccessful.
With tensions escalating, stakeholders are calling for immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the legislative complex. The ongoing power struggle continues to threaten stability within the Lagos State House of Assembly, leaving many concerned about what comes next.
