The ongoing leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Thursday when ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa forcefully gained access to the Speaker’s office.
Obasa, accompanied by armed men, entered the office around noon, following the sudden withdrawal of security aides assigned to the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
Reports indicate that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had ordered the removal of all security personnel attached to Speaker Meranda, leaving her vulnerable amid the escalating crisis.
An aide to the Speaker, speaking anonymously, confirmed the withdrawal of police officers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, expressing concerns over her safety.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we received shocking news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker had been withdrawn, leaving her exposed at a time of heightened tension in the Assembly,” the aide revealed.
The aide further urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
The crisis intensified further on Wednesday when suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex. Onafeko, who was removed alongside Obasa on January 13, arrived at the complex with his lawyer and security operatives in an effort to reclaim his position.
However, security personnel reportedly turned him away peacefully, as the matter remains in court. A viral video captured Assembly staff booing and chanting against Onafeko as he was escorted out of the premises.
In response to the incident, the Assembly’s Chief Security Officer, Kushoro Idowu, issued a statement condemning the developments.
The crisis stems from the January 13 impeachment of Obasa by 32 out of 40 Assembly members, leading to the election of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker. Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the leadership dispute remains unresolved.
With tensions escalating, stakeholders are calling for urgent action to restore stability and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex.
