The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all its staff, including legislative aides, to begin working remotely until further notice.
The directive was issued by Acting Clerk Mr. Babatunde Ottun Abubakar in a memo addressed to all staff.
The memo titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” issued by Acting Clerk Babatunde Ottun Abubakar, instructed all personnel under the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM) to stay home and work remotely, aiming to ensure their safety and maintain order within the Assembly premises.
The memo states: “To this end, all categories of staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and Legislative Aides are requested to work remotely from home until further notice.”
Recall that the leadership crisis within the Assembly erupted on January 13, 2025, when 32 lawmakers voted to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, replacing them with former Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
This major shakeup in the Assembly’s leadership was followed by a series of escalations, including a response from the Department of State Services (DSS), which sealed key offices within the Assembly complex, effectively halting legislative functions.
Despite the suspension of operations, lawmakers reconvened in a tense environment before ultimately adjourning indefinitely.
During this period, three Assembly staff members were charged for allegedly assaulting DSS officials during the crisis.
Obasa, who refused to concede defeat, returned to the Assembly on February 27, 2025, backed by security personnel, and reclaimed his office as Speaker. His supporters have since maintained a presence at the Assembly, pushing for his reinstatement.
In response, Obasa filed a lawsuit against Speaker Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging the validity of his removal. A hearing is set for March 7, 2025, at the Ikeja Court.
