Confusion erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stormed the complex, allegedly trying to reclaim his position.
Sources revealed that Obasa arrived at about 11:30 AM, accompanied by heavily armed police officers and civil defence personnel. His presence has thrown the Assembly into turmoil, especially as the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, was reportedly absent.
Although the House is on indefinite recess, reports suggest that the doors to the Speaker’s office were forcibly opened.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police had ordered the withdrawal of all security details assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda, leaving her exposed amid the ongoing power struggle.
An aide to the Speaker, speaking anonymously, confirmed the development, stating that all police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel attached to Meranda were removed 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we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.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 also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene immediately to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
The crisis intensified on Wednesday when suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, attempted to resume duty. Onafeko, who was removed alongside Obasa on January 13, allegedly arrived at the Assembly complex at 9 AM with his lawyer, two security personnel, and some DSS operatives in an attempt to reclaim his office.
Eyewitnesses reported that Assembly security personnel politely asked Onafeko to leave, emphasizing that the matter was already in court. A viral video captured staff members booing and jeering as he was escorted out of the premises.
In response, the Assembly’s management, through a statement signed by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu, condemned the developments.
The crisis stems from Obasa’s removal by 32 out of 40 Assembly members on January 13, after which 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), the leadership tussle remains unresolved.
With tensions running high, stakeholders are calling for urgent action to restore stability and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and other lawmakers.
