Confusion erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the Assembly complex, allegedly attempting to reclaim his position.
Sources revealed that Obasa arrived at the Assembly around 11:30 a.m., accompanied by heavily armed police officers and civil defence personnel. His presence has thrown the Assembly into disarray, particularly as the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was reportedly absent from the scene.
Obasa was joined by two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Osmak), representing Mushin Constituency I, and Noheem Adams, representing Mushin Constituency II—who accompanied him into the complex.
As of the time of filing this report, loyalists of the former Speaker had forcibly opened the doors to the Speaker’s office. Reports also indicate that some armed miscreants accompanied Obasa, allegedly to help him take possession of the office and resume duties.
Access roads leading to the Assembly complex were taken over by individuals suspected to be Obasa’s loyalists, blocking all entrances and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
Although the House is currently on an indefinite recess, the forceful opening of the Speaker’s office has raised further concerns about the unfolding crisis.
Security Aides Withdrawn from Speaker Meranda
The ongoing turmoil follows reports that the Inspector General of Police ordered the withdrawal of all security details assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
An aide to the Speaker, speaking confidentially to Vanguard, confirmed that security personnel, including police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services, were withdrawn on Thursday morning without any replacements.
“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we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.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.
The aide further appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Suspended Clerk Onafeko Also Attempts to Reclaim Office
The crisis deepened on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex but was turned away by security personnel.
Onafeko, who was removed alongside former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, allegedly arrived at the Assembly around 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer, two security personnel, and unidentified DSS operatives, in an attempt to reclaim his office.
“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 disclosed.
A viral video captured Assembly staff booing and jeering at Onafeko, chanting unfavourable slogans as he was escorted out of the premises.
Watch Video below:
In response to the incident, the management of the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a statement signed by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu, condemning the development.
Political Crisis Deepens Despite Interventions
The ongoing crisis stems from the January 13 removal of 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, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress, efforts to resolve the leadership dispute have so far been unsuccessful.
